Landfill stench cannot be allowed to continue, say local politicians

Local politicians are calling for the operators of landfill site to hold an open day for residents to voice their concerns about smells blighting the community.

Clwyd South MS Ken Skates and David Bithell, Wrexham county councillor for Johnstown, recently met with Natural Resources Wales to press for action to resolve the worsening situation at the under-fire Hafod tip.

Mr Skates said: “I have been contacted by numerous residents over the past couple of weeks who are utterly fed up with the stench coming from the site.

“I run in the area regularly and agree with local people that it’s actually getting worse.

“It can’t go on like this. Cllr Bithell and I will continue to push for stricter enforcement and better protection from emissions for residents.”

Cllr Bithell said: “We made clear our position that action needs to be taken by NRW to address the odour complaints.

“Local residents also need to have confidence in the site operator, Enovert, that it’s operating in line with its permit conditions.

“NRW stated that they are working with Enovert on a revised plan to address these issues and assured us they will scrutinise the plans to ensure they sufficiently address the gas leakage. We welcome their intervention as the regulator.”

Both want Enovert to hold a community open day where residents can have their say.

“Local people need to be able to raise their concerns and learn about the plans being developed to try to improve the situation,” said Mr Skates.

Cllr Bithell added: “We will be meeting with NRW again after Christmas for a progress report and asked that all actions are communicated with the surrounding communities with regard to what is being done to address local people’s concerns.

“We want the site operator to be proactive rather than reactive in dealing with complaints.”

Mr Skates and Cllr Bithell both wrote to NRW’s Head of North East Wales Operations last month and were told investigations into the smell were ongoing. NRW said Enovert had brought forward work on the current operational landfill cell which had been scheduled for the end of the year.

Both are encouraging residents to keep reporting issues to NRW by contacting the 24/7 Incident Communication Centre on 03000 65 3000.