Campaigners say they're being let down by leaders over Walleys Quarry issues

Campaigners say they're going to take their fight for clean air around Walleys Quarry into their own hands because they're being let down by leaders.

It's after a special council meeting took place last night to discuss the landfill's foul smelling gas.

Councillors did all agree they want the site closed but the Conservative administration and Labour opposition did clash on some points at times.

Emotions also ran high in the public gallery with some members standing to plead to councillors for the odours to end and to be listened to as a community.

"Who can we look to? We've got a glass building here that isn't supporting the people of Newcastle." said Graham Eagles, one of the founders of the Stop the Stink campaign.

"All they're doing is arguing between themselves.

"The last few years have been hard. It's been very hard to get people to listen to us.

"We're not going to give up. We're never going to give up."

Other residents who attended and sat in the public gallery commented: "We were hoping to get some sort of communication and definitive answers as to what's going to happen going forward, but we haven't got that.

"They need to go after the Environment Agency."

Graham Eagles added: "It's now gone from we know the odour is there, the gas, the stink is there - people are now going to be held to account. That's what our target is now.

"We'll be calling an urgent meeting now. A proper meeting where people won't be told to shut up."

A recording of the special council meeting on 14th February 2024 can be watched again here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WeduA17YPQg

Complaints about the fumes from Walleys Quarry hit a two-year high last month – prompting renewed calls for the site to be shut down.

Newcastle Borough Council received 668 odour complaints from residents relating to the Silverdale landfill, the highest monthly total since March 2022.

There were also 1,980 complaints lodged with the Environment Agency.

In January the Environment Agency told residents that they were ‘not satisfied’ the operator was taking the necessary steps to prevent elevated emissions, however a closure notice would only be issued as a last resort.

In addition to councillors, Newcastle's MP is calling for the closure of Walleys Quarry too.

Aaron Bell has launched a fresh petition stating 'enough is enough' and demanding the Environment Agency acts on its powers to shut down operations at the site.

A spokesman for Walleys Quarry said: "“Mr Bell makes the facile call for closure without giving any thought or effort towards the practical realities. By contrast we remain committed to our end goal. In time Walleys Quarry Ltd. will cease to operate as a landfill and restoration will be completed.

“His petition stunt smacks of a desperate attempt to divert attention from what he knows are the real issues. It appears to be motivated more by a sense of self-preservation than any real concern for the best interests of his constituents.”

The operator states it remains committed to working with the regulators, the community, and strives to provide clean, healthy and sustainable operations.

What is hydrogen sulphide?

Landfill gases contain hydrogen sulphide. It’s a colourless, flammable gas which has a distinct odour of rotten eggs. It is considered toxic.

Risk to health

The UK Health Security Agency and Staffordshire County Council both say they’re aware that some people are experiencing short-term health effects associated with emissions from Walleys Quarry.

The UK Health Security Agency says that the risk of long-term health problems is likely to be small but cannot be excluded, and that symptoms like headaches, nausea, watery eyes, stuffy nose, coughs, sleep problems and stress are more likely when the odours exceed the WHO annoyance level.

Additional mental health support has also been made available to help people experiencing emotional distress.

Jennie Collier, Managing Director at the Midlands Partner Foundation NHS Trust said: “People living in the area around Walleys Quarry who contact the Staffordshire & Stoke-on-Trent Wellbeing Service are reporting the odour from the site is having a detrimental impact of their mental health.

“This has manifested itself as depression, anxiety, stress, sleep disorders and other issues.”

You can access this dedicated mental health support by calling 0300 303 0923 or visiting www.staffsandstokewellbeing.nhs.uk. Alternatively you can text SHOUT to 85258, speak to Samaritans on 116123 or calls North Staffs Mind on 01782 262100.

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