Cheese factory drainage failure led to discharge

A cheesemaker has said a failure in the drainage system at its factory in North Yorkshire is to blame for pollution in a nearby watercourse.

Discolouration in Gayle Beck, which runs past the Wensleydale Cheese business in Hawes, was spotted by residents and reported to the Environment Agency (EA).

Officials said they were investigating, but the firm has confirmed the site is the source of the pollution.

Residents have urged the cheesemaker to resolve the issue after several photos of the discharge were posted on social media.

The images show cloudy, milky liquid in the stream at a waterfall close to the River Ure, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

One local resident, who asked not to be named, said: "There's huge amounts of milk coming over the waterfall in Gayle Beck. They need to sort it out."

A spokesperson for Saputo Dairy UK, which runs the factory, said: "We take our environmental responsibilities extremely seriously.

"Considerable work has been undertaken at the creamery over the past few years to remedy historical issues regarding unintended discharge to the river.

"After recent investigations, we unfortunately discovered a failure in the drainage system at the creamery."

They said the issue had been resolved and further works would be carried out to ensure it did not happen again.

This is the second time in two years the creamery has been blamed for discharges into nearby streams and rivers.

In November 2023, bosses said improvements were being made to the site's drainage system following pollution concerns but they pointed out that an EA report was inconclusive as to the source.

Councillor Jill McMullon, chairman of Hawes and High Abbotside Parish Council, said it was "obvious" to people in the area where the pollution came from.

"I'm delighted the creamery has confirmed that," she said.

"Let's hope the latest work resolves the problem."

An EA spokesperson said: "Our officers are working to trace the source of pollution in Gayle Beck.

"We know seeing pollution in our local watercourses can be distressing. We are working to minimise its impact and any damage caused to wildlife and the environment."

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