Investigation starts into alleged Walley Quarry breaches
The controversial Silverdale site is under investigation
The Environment Agency has announced that it is to begin an investigation into Walleys Quarry Ltd’s compliance with its environmental permit.
The EA said it was looking into issues dating back to December 2020 up until July this year, but said it wouldn’t go into more detail as there may be future legal proceedings.
A spokesperson said:
“The Environment Agency has commenced an investigation into Walleys Quarry Ltd regarding the company’s history of compliance with its Environmental Permit from 1 December 2020 until 21 July 2022. As this is an active investigation we will not be able to comment further on matters which could form part of any future legal proceedings.”
Reacting to the news, local MP Aaron Bell said he was pleased to see the EA take action.
He said:
“I am glad to see the Environment Agency have taken this long-overdue step, and have publicised their action accordingly.
“I will also be writing to the new environment secretary, both to stress the importance of a full and proper resolution at the site, but also of full accountability for those responsible for the appalling living conditions we in Newcastle have had to endure.”
Walleys Quarry Ltd said they were surprised by the announcement, and are confident the EA would not find any evidence of wrongdoing.
A spokesperson said
“WQL are surprised that the EA have notified of their intentions to carry out investigations into alleged permit breaches despite the fact that WQL has responded to the EA providing a clear and concise reasons to why the allegations made were not valid.
“We have no doubt that the EA will find no evidence of wrongdoing and we can continue our work to secure a clean, healthy and sustainable operation that supports the community.”