Councillors in Chirk are to write to Kronospan to highlight their disappointment with the ‘unethical and unprofessional’ manner in which compensation has been offered to residents after a recent fire.

Kronospan has reportedly offered compensation to people living in areas of the town which were worst-affected by the incident, which happened at the factory in January, lasting four days.

At the monthly meeting of Chirk Town Council, councillors discussed complaints from members of the public about ‘cold-call type’ approaches from the factory.

The Leader:

The fire at the Kronospan factory in Chirk

Residents told councillors they had received a knock at the door from representatives of the factory’s insurance company. Some said they felt pressured into signing for £20 of compensation offered.

Criticism came from numerous councillors, with some labelling the handling of the door-knocking as unprofessional, unethical and irresponsible. Councillor Gareth Baines believes the decision to send insurance representatives door-knocking, as opposed to senior factory representatives, is not helping to build trust between Kronospan and the community.

He added: “For what the residents had to go through during the fire, £20 is not much.”

Councillor Jackie Allen added: “I suggest we write a letter to Kronospan saying that we’re dissatisfied with the way this has been handled.”

She added that she knew of several residents who were disappointed with the amount of money offered as compensation.

Kronospan has been approached for comment.