Controversial landfill operator Walleys Quarry has gone into liquidation.
The Environment Agency has confirmed the news with a statement on its website while Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council and Newcastle-under-Lyme MP Adam Jogee have both reacted.
Walleys Quarry Ltd has attracted thousands of complaints relating to gas odours coming from its Newcastle site in recent years and was issued with a closure notice by the Environment Agency in November.
The firm was fighting the decision and an appeal was due to be heard in May this year.
This morning, a statement on the Environment Agency’s website reads: “The Environment Agency has been informed that Walleys Quarry Ltd (WQL), has entered Liquidation.
“This event has no effect on the existence of WQL or the Environmental Permit. The Liquidators remains bound by the conditions of the permit and any statutory notices in relation to it that may have been issued.
“We will engage with the Liquidators about their intentions for the site and plans to comply with the Environmental Permit and the Closure Notice. We will continue to work with partner organisations and carry out air quality monitoring using our Mobile Monitoring Facilities (MMFs).”
Simon Tagg, Leader of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, said: “I am hugely disappointed but not at all surprised that Walleys Quarry Ltd, a company making what I understand was a substantial income, has not remained to honour its obligations to fully cap off and restore the landfill.
“We understand residents will be concerned by this news and while the Environment Agency remains the lead regulator of this site, and will now need to take control, we will offer both the EA and liquidator any support we can within our powers to keep this landfill under control.”
He added: “Elected members of Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council have unanimously endorsed that the landfill site should be closed, capped and restored and that remains our goal.
“I understand that work on capping and gas capture infrastructure required by the Environment Agency has largely been carried out before this news emerged.
“Although the situation appears to have improved in recent weeks, it’s vital that we keep raising this issue and if residents are affected by emissions, they should continue to report them.”
MP Adam Jogee has said the news is ‘no surprise’ and labelled it an ‘absolute disgrace’.
In a statement, he said he is working with stakeholders to convene a meeting and will be going to Parliament next week to make sure voices are heard.
He wrote: “Be assured that the closure notice at Walleys Quarry remains in place. The Environment Agency is on site today, focused on safety, carrying out technical assessments, and continuing inspections. I have had two calls with the EA since last night and have cleared much of my diary to ensure that I do all I can as your Member of Parliament.”
He added: “Let me be absolutely clear: liquidation must not allow these operators to escape accountability. They should not be allowed to hide behind the cowardice of liquidation and must be forced to pay for the misery and harm they have caused the people of Newcastle-under-Lyme.
“They do not get to simply walk away from the damage they have inflicted on our community. Enough is enough. We refuse to be taken for fools, because there will be a day when those responsible for what has happened at Walleys Quarry will be forced to answer for their actions.”
