Walleys Quarry landfill stink prompts MP's call for prosecution

An MP has called for a landfill operator to be prosecuted over prolonged foul smells from the site.

More than 100 complaints about Walleys Quarry were made to the Environment Agency (EA) in just one week in October.

Aaron Bell, MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme, where the site is based, urged the operator to apologise for the "damage to his constituents".

Walleys Quarry Ltd (WQL) has said its emissions pose no risk to health.

The number of complaints about the site have risen for the first time since June with Silverdale residents accusing authorities of failing to find a solution to the stench that plagues them.

Despite long campaigns from Stop the Stink activists, those living nearby say they "feel poisoned" and the problem appears to be getting worse in the winter.

"It's totally unbearable to be here, the smell was absolutely toxic, it affected your eyes, nose, breathing it was vile," campaigner Steve Meakin told Politics Midlands.

The 72-year-old said: "I love the community I'm in, it's quiet, people look after each other, and we're getting poisoned."

Up to 400,000 tonnes of waste is dumped annually in Walley's Quarry and when it breaks down, it can produce hydrogen sulphide - a gas that smells like rotten eggs.

WQL has said some fluctuations in emissions levels are to be expected due to cold weather.

Addressing the concerns, Mr Bell also called on the EA to do more in holding the landfill operator accountable.

The Conservative MP told viewers: "It's not that the EA doesn't have the powers, they seem to lack the courage to use them.

"The organisation is clearly failing people and everybody in Newcastle-under-Lyme and I have lost confidence in them."

The politician has appealed to EA chief executive Philip Duffy to "get a grip", issue an apology to the community and called for the "prosecution of [WQL] for the damage to my constituents".

The firm had been ordered to complete temporary capping work before winter, to reduce people's risk of exposure to noxious gas.

"It was much worse in 2021, but it isn't acceptable as it is now and the EA needs to get a kick up the backside," Mr Bell added.

A spokesperson for the EA said the public body had "every sympathy with the local community".

In a statement, the EA said it continues to require the landfill operator to comply with its environmental permit and implement all the measures necessary to manage emissions of landfill gas from the site.

In October, the EA apologised after it emerged emission levels at the site had been under-reported.

A spokesperson for WQL said the cold weather fluctuations in emissions "remain within World Health Organisation guidelines".

The firm added: "We are committed to continuing our progress on site; working with our neighbours throughout the winter to provide a clean, healthy and sustainable operation for our community".

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