Staffordshire Mum wins High Court case over landfill site

The mother of a five-year-old boy has won her High Court case against the Environment Agency (EA) over the regulation of a Staffordshire landfill site accused of emitting noxious gases that risk shortening her son's life.

At a hearing in August, lawyers for Rebecca Currie's son Mathew Richards claimed there is a 'public health emergency' in the vicinity of Walleys Quarry in Silverdale, Newcastle-under-Lyme, arguing hydrogen sulphide (H2S) emissions are affecting hundreds and probably thousands of local people''.

In a judgment on Thursday, Mr Justice Fordham found in Mathew's favour, ruling that real and significant change'was required as a matter of urgency''.

He said:

'Based on all the evidence - about Mathew, and about the emissions, and about the implications of the emissions for Mathew - I am satisfied that there is a direct effect on Mathew's home, family life and private life from adverse effects of severe environmental pollution.'

After the ruling, Mathew's solicitor Rebekah Carrier said:

'While we are delighted with today's judgment we are very concerned that the Environment Agency do not appear to be taking their duties as seriously as they must.

'We will be keeping a very close eye on the situation to make sure that they do take the urgent action the High Court has said is needed.

'If they do not take the action necessary to protect the human rights of Mathew and others in the community we will have no hesitation in bringing the matter back to court.

'I would also like to pay tribute to Rebecca Currie, who has bravely stood up to the Environment Agency to protect the life of her child.

'This is truly a 'David and Goliath' case where a mother has faced up to the Government agency which is supposed to protect public health and yet has failed so badly to do so.'

In a statement, the Environment Agency said they'll 'continue to do everything we can working with partners to improve the situation at Walleys Quarry for local people.'

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