WARRINGTON Borough Council has said it is 'committed' to investigating the flies that continue to plague residents of Culcheth.

The abnormally high levels of flies were reported throughout 2022, even into late October, but the council explained that no action would be taken until at least 2023.

Swarms of flies have been reported by residents of Croft, Culcheth, Lowton, and even Leigh in the past 12 months.

Warrington Guardian: A high volume of flies were being caught daily indoors during the summer monthsA high volume of flies were being caught daily indoors during the summer months (Image: Hilary Heywood)

Now, as we head toward the summer months, flies are starting to be reported in Culcheth and surrounding areas once again.

At the peak of the swarms in summer, hundreds of flies were being caught over a short period by residents using flypaper and fly-catcher devices.

A number of residents complained that the high levels of flies ensured that they were not able to eat food outside, or even have windows open during the warmer months.

Groups of residents decided to create a survey to determine how many households were being impacted by the problems created by unusually high numbers of flies in the area - more than 600 residents responded to the survey.

Some villagers have claimed that the waste disposal process at a nearby farm is to blame for the area being inundated by the winged pests - when asked about the allegations by the Warrington Guardian, the farm in question said: "[We] are aware of the allegation.

"As a responsible operator, we take our environmental obligations seriously and we continue to work closely with both the Environment Agency and Local Environmental Health."

The Environment Agency, when chased by the Warrington Guardian about the fly problem, last week said: "We have received some reports of flies in Culcheth over recent days.

"We are carrying out a joint investigation with the local authority, and will be visiting the area to carry out further enquiries.”

Warrington Guardian: A nearby farm's disposal site has been alleged to be the source of the problemA nearby farm's disposal site has been alleged to be the source of the problem (Image: Supplied)

Now, Warrington Borough Council has also committed itself to investigating the problems, too.

A council spokesperson said: "We are committed to investigating the fly issues experienced by residents in Culcheth alongside the Environment Agency.

"We recognise the strong interest in this issue and we will keep residents updated, however, we are unable to comment on specific cases while further investigations take place.”