A Cumbrian MP and Westmorland and Furness councillor have praised the work of residents in Newbiggin, after they helped to uphold a ban on the Flusco landfill site accepting any more waste.
After an appeal by the site’s operators, Seletia, this week the Government’s Planning Inspectorate upheld the Environment Agency’s decision to suspend its permit.
The Environment Agency found that the site was at risk of causing pollution as it has exceeded its waste capacity.
The decision means that the site can no longer accept waste until measures have been put in place to prevent overflowing.
Tim Farron, Westmorland & Lonsdale MP said: “Local residents’ lives have become totally unbearable as a result of the appalling pollution caused by a complete failure by Seletia to manage the landfill site properly.
“They have shown zero care for the community and so I’m glad that residents helped to make such a strong case in the inquiry which has led to this ban being upheld.
“The Environment Agency must without any further hesitation force Seletia to comply with environment regulations including a full check of the site to investigate the nature of the materials that have been dumped at Flusco.
“It’s time for the delaying tactics to end and for the local community to get the justice that they deserve.”
Westmorland & Furness councillor Judith Derbyshire added: “I sat through the Planning Inspectorate’s inquiry and was very impressed with the presentations given by local residents and Dacre Parish Council on the strong concerns they have about the odour, dust and other impacts that the site is having on their lives.
“Westmorland and Furness Council will work with the Environment Agency A to ensure that Seletia follow all the recommendations so we can end this nightmare for residents in Newbiggin.”
