Residents demand urgent action to tackle harmful asphalt fumes in Reading

Residents across Reading West, Central Reading, and Caversham have been noticing fumes, described as smelling of asphalt/bitumen, especially on mornings when the wind blows from the direction of the FM Conway Asphalt plant. Many people report:

• Strong smell, stinging nostrils
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Worsening allergies or asthma

Asphalt fumes contain dangerous chemicals, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides, which can irritate your eyes, throat, and lungs, and may even increase long-term health risks, including cancer .(health risks of asphalt emissions)

The smell often matches wind direction and visible smoke from FM Conway’s chimney. Residents have repeatedly complained, but Reading Borough Council has denied the link to FM Conway plant and not provided any data on emission measurements. In one case, a serious air quality concern was downgraded to a “nuisance complaint”. Asphalt fumes contain chemicals linked to cancer — would you call that a nuisance?

FM Conway plants have previously been the subject of community complaints over odour and emissions. For example, in Hayes, residents and their MP pushed FM Conway to install VOC and odour filtration systems (Hayes VOC emission control solution) and lengthen its chimney height after repeated complaints (My London News report), supported by a local petition (Change.org petition).

We, the residents of Reading, are calling on:

1. Reading Borough Council to regularly and consistently monitor air pollutants, share data transparently with residents, and ensure emissions remain below safe limits.
2. FM Conway Ltd to implement best-practice emissions controls and VOC filtration systems.
3. Our local MPs to advocate for residents by raising the issue with national regulators and holding FM Conway accountable, including pushing for plant closure if safe emission levels are not met.
4. National regulators (such as the Environment Agency) to prioritise public health and enforce strict emission standards.

We encourage all local residents, parents, and community members to sign this petition and support R.I.S.E., helping ensure that air quality in Reading is properly monitored and managed. Every signature strengthens the call for action and highlights the importance of protecting community health.