A pressure group set up to protest against pollution from power firm Belco said it has had “productive” talks with the company.

The Bermuda Clean Air Coalition set up by residents and business leaders affected by pollution caused by its stacks and machinery were speaking after a town hall meeting organised by Belco.

Belco gave the group a presentation on the new north power station and the work being done to cut down on pollution.

Denise Riviere, a founding member of BCAC, said: “The meeting gave the neighbours the opportunity to share concerns and stories about how the pollution is impacting their roofs, their cars, their health.

“There was a variety of expressions of frustration and anger over the pollution caused, especially by the north tower.

“The Belco leadership team did a really good job of listening and allowing members to share their concerns.”

Ms Riviere added: “I would say it was a step in the right direction for Belco and I hope that the dialogue continues to be productive. Both parties are effectively communicating.

“BCAC expects immediate resolution to our concerns and are willing to continue talks.”

BCAC, which formed earlier this month, said that health and safety hazards in the area included fallout of soot and metal particles on to nearby buildings, which could get into water tanks.

The meeting was held last Thursday at Belco’s sister company AirCare’s showroom, near the power station on Pembroke’s Serpentine Road.

The Bermuda Clean Air Coalition was set up by residents and business people affected by pollution caused by Belco’s stacks and machinery.

Ms Riviere said that BCAC had also requested a meeting with the Regulatory Authority, which oversees the telecommunications and electricity sectors, to understand its role.

Ms Riviere welcomed the news that environmental charity Greenrock had backed BCAC and also appealed to the public to support the new pressure group

Eugene Dean, the chairman of Greenrock, said: “Unity is strength and the example being set by the BCAC is something that needs to be replicated island-wide.”

Ms Riviere added: “BCAC is very grateful for the support of Greenrock, an established organisation in the field of environmental protection.

“BCAC recognises that this is not a new issue and that there have been other groups before us who have taken up the mantle of trying to create a safer Bermuda for everyone.

“The issue around renewable energy and the current pollution and infrastructure losses facing residents and many across the island is reflective of the ongoing need for groups like Greenrock and community action and activist groups like BCAC.

“Support from an organisation like Greenrock solidifies that this issue is one that is important for the entire island.”

The group said that the sale of Belco parent company Ascendant to Canadian power company Algonquin meant it was vital that the problems were tackled as soon as possible.

A Belco spokesman said: “Information was shared with attendees and questions were answered about plant operations.

“The information shared at the meeting will be made available to the community in the coming weeks.

“Belco looks forward to continuing to engage the community and share information going forward.”