Legal threat over 'smelly' Silverdale landfill business
FAMILIES have called in lawyers as they kick up a stink over smells at a quarry.
More than 25 families are planning to take legal action after complaining about odours coming from the landfill site at the former Walley's Quarry, in Silverdale.
They say the smell is so bad that they cannot open their windows and are overrun with seagulls.
The legal threat comes as Newcastle Borough Council and the Environment Agency continue to investigate the Silverdale Road site.
Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk
View detailsOur heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.
Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk
Contact: 01858 468192
Valid until: Friday, May 31 2013
Investigators have already found a gas-type odour at the business.
Campaigner Rebecca Braithwaite, aged 33, who has lived in Silverdale Road for eight years, said: "We are planning to take the legal action because of the smell.
"We were told it was a landfill site to take control of rubble and metals but, in our view, that cannot be the case.
"Some days there is an offal-like smell, which makes your stomach turn, but so far no-one will tell us what is going on.
"The smell is horrific and we have to keep the windows shut.
"There is no chance of drying any of your clothes unless they stay in the house.
"We want to know what is going on in there and I think we have a right to know."
Investigators have found hazardous materials are not being stored at the site.
An Environment Agency spokesman said: "We have been working with the owners of the site to find ways that they can use to minimise the odour escaping from the site.
"We will continue to seek improvements and will keep local residents informed."
Councillor Ann Beech, cabinet member for environment and recycling at Newcastle Borough Council said: "The smells are not hazardous. The council continues to work closely with site owner Lafarge and regulator the Environment Agency to make sure that complaints are dealt with.
"An investigation has found that the quarry is the source of a gas-type odour in certain conditions although other possible causes are also being looked at."
Lafarge Aggregates opened the landfill site for non-hazardous waste in 2007.
Spokesman Ruth Roll said: "Household waste in dustcarts is not delivered to the site, although industrial and commercial wastes from shops and offices may contain some organic waste.
"The current works programme – which involves moving a lot of clay and similar materials around the site – has been delayed because of the extremely wet weather earlier this year.
"The site management team expects the capping works to be completed within weeks."
Anyone with concerns should call company on 01872 799313 or 07849 725654.
Comments
by Silverdale
Wednesday, October 03 2012, 9:05PM
“The stench emanating from Walley's Quarry in Silverdale is totally sickening. It physically makes me feel ill whenever I smell it. I live in the centre of the village and can often smell it. I have also noticed the odour in Newcastle town centre and every morning on the way to work.
It makes no difference if the smell is dangerous or not it's not. It is very, very unpleasant and to deny any individual fresh air is surely a gross violation of basic Civil Liberties and Human Rights.
A landfill dump within a residential area is beyond belief. Whoever rubberstamped this project should hang their heads in shame. Obviously they don't reside in the vicinity.
I fully support the 25 plus residents now taking Legal Action. I complained two years ago and went to a meeting with David Wilson who was then the Site Manager. He basically fobbed me off with nonsense about how the stink would clear.
All dumping should now cease immediately and a full Environmental Survey carried out. It should also be made public knowledge under The Freedom of Information Act exactly what is dumped on Silverdale's doorstep”
by Notanumber
Thursday, September 27 2012, 4:28PM
“I complained to the environment agency about the smell too. This was one day in early August when working in the Holditich area. I was told it couldn't get that far although I recognised the awful smell from the countless times I have noticed it, particularly when at the top of Black Bank driving into work in the morning. LaFarge I was told capped areas already filled to capture the gas. However, any lame excuse about the weather doesn't wash with me I'm afraid.
HEY LaFarge, WHAT ABOUT ALL THE OTHER OCCASIONS?”
by HAGGI5
Wednesday, September 26 2012, 10:10PM
“Landfill site?
I thought it was the gypsies on Cemetery Road.”
by HAGGI5
Wednesday, September 26 2012, 10:10PM
“Landfill site!!!! I thought it was the gypsies on Cemetery Road!”
by HAGGI5
Wednesday, September 26 2012, 10:08PM
“Close the landfill Newcastle Borough Council, and do us all a favour. Instead, stick commission an incinerator to be built in Apedale and watch the cash roll in and the electricity roll out!”
by A_Reader
Wednesday, September 26 2012, 8:31PM
“I went drove through the cross roads by Garners today and I could smell it; it was horrible. I couldn't live there. It smells like a gas leak.”
by A_Reader
Wednesday, September 26 2012, 8:31PM
“I went drove through the cross roads by Garners today and I could smell it; it was horrible. I couldn't live there. It smells like a gas leak.”
by Havark
Wednesday, September 26 2012, 2:44PM
“not saying there isn't a smell, but i drive past every other day and have never smelt anything... Hmmmm maybe i should see a doctor and get my nose checked out”
by johnygreenway
Wednesday, September 26 2012, 10:27AM
“Jackavies
So are you trying to say that these local residents should not be complaining.?
The smell is bad . I can smell it at the top of Keele bank at the University entrance sometimes while driving past . It really does need sorting for local residents and businesses alike.”
by johnygreenway
Wednesday, September 26 2012, 10:27AM
“Jackavies
So are you trying to say that these local residents should not be complaining.?
The smell is bad . I can smell it at the top of Keele bank at the University entrance sometimes while driving past . It really does need sorting for local residents and businesses alike.”