MP supports smelly landfill site protest

The Labour MP for Blackpool North and Fleetwood (wearing a red top) joined protesters gathered outside the Fleetwood site on Saturday

A town’s new MP has joined placard-waving protesters outside a landfill site which has caused continuing odour issues for long-suffering residents.

Labour's Lorraine Beavers stood with campaigners at the site off Jameson Road in Fleetwood on Saturday to support their continuing efforts to get owners Transwaste Ltd to deal with emissions which have been likened to rotten eggs or onions.

The Labour MP for Blackpool North and Fleetwood also sits as a councillor for the town on Wyre Council and Lancashire County Council.

Campaigner Jess Brown said the emissions, which some have claimed have caused headaches, nose bleeds and breathing difficulties, were "just as bad as ever".

Transwaste, which has run the site since last year, has said work has now been done to stop the smell

The Environment Agency has given Transwaste two deadlines to stop the emissions, with the latest being passed on 19 July.

It has also ordered that no more waste be accepted at the site until the problem has been fully dealt with.

Ms Brown said campaigners would "continue to protest outside the site every month until this problem is sorted out".

"It is not acceptable and it has to be dealt with," she added.

Ms Beavers has vowed to raise the issue of the landfill site with Environment Secretary Steve Reed.

Transwaste previously said remedial work had been done on the site and it was awaiting an inspection to allow it to continue.