Silverdale quarry: Matt Hancock's concerns over smell

Red Industries' work to cap the site was due to be completed by midnight on Friday

The Health Secretary has expressed "grave concerns" over the smell coming from a landfill site.

The community in Silverdale has long been campaigning for action over the stench coming from Walleys Quarry.

Work to cover part of the site was due to be completed on Friday.

But Matt Hancock has written to the Environment Agency (EA) calling for it to use "the full range" of its powers to "urgently" resolve the problems at the landfill.

It comes after the Environment Agency (EA) said hydrogen sulphide levels recorded at the site had, at points, exceeded World Health Organization guidelines.

Hydrogen sulphide is a poisonous, corrosive gas with an eggy smell.

A recent report by Public Health England said although "any risk to long-term physical health is likely to be small...we cannot completely exclude a risk to health from pollutants in the area".

Neither quarry operator Red Industries or the Environment Agency have confirmed if the work to cover the site to lessen the fumes was completed or has been effective.

Mr Hancock wrote to the Environment Agency saying it is "imperative" it uses "the full range of their regulatory and enforcement powers" to resolve problems at the site

In his letter, Mr Hancock said has asked for an update on the capping works, which were required following enforcement action by the EA.

Current management of the site, he said, appears "woeful".

"I am sympathetic with the distress and disruption suffered by the local communities who are being adversely impacted by offensive odours coming from the site, especially the impacts on the community's overall health and wellbeing," he said.

Aaron Bell, MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme, said Mr Hancock recognises Walleys Quarry is "not just an environmental catastrophe" but also a "huge public health concern".

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Last week, hundreds of people staged a protest against the management of the site, and thousands have complained over the smell.

The EA said its initial assessments appear to show the quarry operator "has completed the works required on site by the deadline" however, further physical checks are to be carried out.

A survey is also under way to test the landfill gas emissions on the surface of the landfill to determine how effective the capping has been.