Families living behind a huge waste plant earmarked for relocation have spoken of how the dust and noise from the site is making their lives a misery.

Those living in Handley Grove in Cricklewood said they struggle to open their windows due to the volume of dust coming from the neighbouring PB Donoghue building.

They said it often covers their cars and windowsills during the summer months and many fear this could have a negative impact on their health.

Others have spoken of the constant noise from the site and the impact the comings and goings of large waste vehicles has on surrounding roads and their homes.

Handley Grove resident Sue Laxton-Bass said it is “disgusting” that people are expected to live in these conditions and they were “fed up” of having to fight against it.

She said: “We can’t open our kitchen windows, my daughter’s windowsill is covered in a thick layer of dust and there’s no chance of hanging out any washing – I have tumble dryers on the go all the time.

“My husband has COPD and needs two inhalers – having [the waste management building] there can’t be helping.

“Our house literally shudders if they drop a skip. They start work early in the morning and, at busy times, the noise is non-stop. It’s horrible.”

Nicola Mann, who also lives on the estate, said it’s as if “nobody cares about us” as residents have been trying for years to resolve the problem with little success.

She said: “It’s the contempt that they hold us in that hurts the most. We have the least power in society so they just brush us off.

“It feels as if profit is being put before people’s health. And it’s because it’s in this area – if that was in Hampstead Garden Suburb, it would have been moved in an instant.

“Nobody wants anyone to lose their job, and they don’t have to. All they have to do is move to a more suitable site.”

The PB Donoghue facility was set to be relocated as part of the wider regeneration of the area, which includes several new homes at the site, but this has yet to be set in motion.

Local London Assembly member Anne Clarke said this should have been one of the first issues addressed given the impact it is having on residents’ lives.

She said: “This situation has always been about the priorities of Barnet Council when it comes to the Brent Cross regeneration.

“The regeneration itself promised to bring so much – a beautiful pedestrian bridge to connect the area with the shopping centre, new cycling routes and investment to clean up the River Brent.

“We’re now seeing thousands of new homes being built, but the much promised relocation of the waste management site hasn’t yet happened.”

Barnet Council and PB Donoghue have been contacted for comment.

Gardens Waste Proximity (Credit: Adam Shaw)