Calls for legal review into landfill's regulation

Residents have been complaining about the smell from Walleys Quarry for several years

Calls have been made for a judicial review into the Environment Agency’s (EA) handling of the Walleys Quarry landfill site.

Labour councillors on Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council have also called for the council leader to reinstate a £1m fund to prepare for possible legal costs.

Silverdale residents have been complaining about the stench from the landfill for several years.

The EA said it continued to carry out inspections and had every sympathy with the community.

The Labour councillors want a public hearing to help identify the health implications of gas emissions from the site.

Councillor Dave Jones said: “I have spent the last five years calling for the Environment Agency to step up and take meaningful action.

“Both the EA and the government have failed our residents, by refusing to take action.

“Our last avenue is through the courts. I hope all councillors will support our call to challenge these poor decisions to protect the health and well-being of our residents.”

A spokesperson for The Environment Agency said: “While there will always be short-term fluctuations in conditions which affect dispersion of emissions, we are aware of a recent temporary increase in hydrogen sulphide emissions, and odour complaints.

“We continue to require Walleys Quarry Ltd to comply with its environmental permit and implement all the measures necessary to manage emissions of landfill gas from the site.”

A spokesperson for Walleys Quarry Ltd said a judicial review would not be justified.

"We remain committed and concentrated on continuing our progress; working with our neighbours to provide a clean, healthy and sustainable operation for our community," they said.

The landfill operator has been involved in several legal cases in recent years.

These include obtaining an injunction against protestors and a legal battle over a statutory nuisance abatement notice with the council.