Cross-party group to oversee continued progress at Walleys Quarry
A new cross-party working group is being established by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council to help oversee the next phase of work at Walleys Quarry Landfill site.
The move comes as a new report confirms odour complaints remain at very low levels, and the situation continues to be stable for local communities. The group’s first meeting will take place in September 2026.
The latest Walleys Quarry odour update, due to be considered by Cabinet, shows that nine odour complaints have been received by the borough council so far in 2026, with one complaint apiece in June and July.
The working group will provide regular political oversight, information-sharing and scrutiny of ongoing activity relating to the site. It will bring together elected members from across the political spectrum to ensure all communities are represented while partners work to keep the site under control and monitor progress.
The borough council will continue supporting the Environment Agency while they are undertaking discretionary works on site to prevent serious pollution. Residents are being encouraged to continue reporting any concerns they have about odour issues in the future.
Jonathan Gullis, Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council leader, said:
Residents have every right to expect continued transparency and accountability when it comes to Walleys Quarry. The significant reduction in complaints is good news and reflects the progress that has been made over a sustained period, but we know many people have been affected by this issue over several years.
That is why this new cross-party working group is so important. It will ensure regular oversight of the work taking place, provide opportunities for scrutiny and information-sharing, and help keep residents informed as we look to the future of the site. This is about putting communities first and working together in their best interests.”
Conservative Group Leader Simon Tagg said:
What matters to every member of this council is protecting local people and maintaining the improvements that communities are now experiencing. By working together across party lines, we can help ensure residents remain informed and their interests continue to come first.”
Labour Group Leader David Jones added:
Residents have fought long and hard to see improvements at Walleys Quarry, so it is encouraging to see complaint levels remain exceptionally low. The working group will help ensure elected members continue to receive updates and scrutinise progress as work on the site moves forward.”