Call to accelerate Walleys Quarry process

The Environment Agency has reported receiving 3,878 complaints between January 6 and 12.

Over the same period the EA said that the percentage of time Hydrogen Sulphide readings were above the World Health Organisation annoyance level ranged from 37.6 per cent of the week at the Silverdale monitor, to 56.4 per cent of the time at the Galingale monitor.

Simon Tagg, Leader, of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said:

While I understood that the EA’s closure order was a step in the right direction rather than an immediate solution, like every other resident I am appalled that in recent weeks the foul gas odours have returned to their very worst levels.
 

We need a permanent solution imposed as quickly as possible. While Walleys Quarry Ltd is entitled to appeal against the closure order it is clear that the community cannot wait for months for a hearing to be organised and then reach its conclusion.
 

The Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed OBE should use his legal powers to call this matter in and reach a decision urgently so residents have clarity.”

Walleys Quarry Ltd has lodged an appeal against the closure order issued by the Environment Agency in late November.

The appeal will be heard by the Planning Inspector, but no date has been set.

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council has applied to the Planning Inspectorate to be a ‘Principal Party’ actively supporting the Environment Agency at the hearing by using a substantial amount of evidence gathered by the Council.

Complaints can be registered with the EA, as the main regulator, by calling 0800 807060, or online at: https://report-walleys-quarry-smell.service.gov.uk/

Complaints can also be registered with Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council at: Report a problem or concern about Walleys Quarry – Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council