MP calls for action on dump making people 'sick'

An MP has called for better management of waste sites claiming the "stink" caused by a dump is making her constituents feel "physically sick".

Knowsley MP Anneliese Midgley said the Simonswood Industrial Estate had been the subject of numerous complaints from people living in Kirkby due to dust and dirt and reports of a "mysterious rotten egg smell".

The site is situated in west Lancashire and falls under the jurisdiction of Lancashire County Council, but Knowsley Council has also submitted reports on behalf of their residents as the smell drifts over the border.

Last year, Knowsley Council said the Environment Agency (EA) had implemented an Odour Management Plan to address the smell.

The EA said it was "taking action" and an enforcement notice remained in place.

But Midgley told the House of Commons her constituents had endured the foul stench - known locally as the "Simonswood stink" - for years.

She said one resident said her child had a persistent sore throat and others had reported breathing difficulties.

But speaking to MPs, Midgley said enforcement from Lancashire County Council and the Environment Agency had been "unacceptable"

She asked the Leader of the House of Commons Lucy Powell if there could be a debate about lack of enforcement around waste management plans.

Lucy Powell said she was "disappointed" to hear the issue was taking so long to resolve.

She added the EA had all the powers it needed to tackle the problems and to make sure sites were complying with permit conditions.

Powell said she would encourage the EA to enforce the site's licensing conditions "at pace".

The EA said an enforcement notice remained in force.

Officers would continue to be deployed to assess the impacts of the odour within the community, it added.

A spokeswoman said: "We are also taking action against the operator when there is non-compliance, as demonstrated by the use of the ongoing enforcement notice."

Lancashire County Council has also been contacted for comment.

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