Issue - meetings

That the contents of the update report be received and noted.

The Leader introduced a report updating Cabinet on the latest position regarding odours in the Borough associated with Walleys Quarry.

The Leader stated that this was the post-Christmas meeting and previous years’ reports at this meeting had reported odours and discomfort and many complaints.  That was not the case this time.

The Council’s Chief Executive advised that this was a slightly more streamlined version of the report but all historic data remained available from the previous reports or on request.

Figure 2 at paragraph 2.1 of the report showed the contrast throughout the past year of odour complaints, with only two being received in December.

The change was recognised at the recent political multi-agency meeting where an update was received from the Environment Agency (EA) on the activity at the site.

Although the site was largely shut down over the Christmas period, leachate was still being removed and EA and Council officers were monitoring the situation.  Any complaints received would be investigated and work would continue with the multi-agency partners on defining, designing and delivering the next steps.

Councillor Fear stated that this was heartening and looking to the future it was hoped that it would remain like this.  Councillor Fear also hoped that the Government would provide national funding for the recovery and restoration of the site and also that a public inquiry would be held.

Councillor Sweeney agreed with Councillor Fear, the crucial question being who would pay for the recovery and restoration.  Referring to paragraph 2.1 and the position this time last year, Councillor Sweeney said that it was amazing.

The Leader stated that it showed what could be done when a site was managed correctly,  as the contractor for the EA was doing.

The Council would be playing a key part in the recovery stage, with other agencies although it was not the responsible agency for restoration or capping but did have powers as a regulator for the statutory nuisance.

Resolved:    That the contents of the update report be received and noted.

Watch the debate here