A Greater Manchester MP has called for tough action to resolve an odour problem which has plagued residents of Bredbury for more than two years.
Hazel Grove’s Parliamentary representative Andrew Stunell is urging the Environment Agency to robustly investigate allegations two businesses on Bredbury industrial Estate are breaching licensing conditions.
And after hosting a crisis meeting with Environment Agency representatives, Mr Stunell is also in favour of legal action against Virador and Junction 25 Recycling.
“A strong smell has plagued the Bredbury area for two years now, and at its worst it is creating completely unacceptable conditions for local people,” he said.
“I’ve told the Environment Agency that residents want firm action to stop the problem and prosecution of those responsible.
“I want the problems at both plants fixed and residents to be given the assurances they deserve that incidents like these won’t just keep happening.”
The Environment Agency have established points around the sites where official ‘sniffs’ are being carried out on a daily basis which will reveal any condition breaches.
Nicola Smith, of 51 The Drive, Bredbury, is one resident who has suffered with this problem and feels the situation will only get worse as summer approaches.
“I came home one day early in the year when it was still cold and wondered what on earth I had left in my wheelie bin for such a stink,” she added.
“I then realised the bin was empty! All I could think was if it’s like this in winter, what will it be like in the summer?
“I don’t want to sit in my garden with it, a BBQ doesn’t mask the smell & even the kids don’t want to play out in it.”
The Environment Agency is calling on residents to report any odour incidents immediately, a policy fully endorsed by the Communities and Local Government Minister.
“If we want prosecutions, we do need every scrap of evidence, so I very much hope residents will call the hotline whenever they smell a problem,” said Mr Stunell.
A statement from the Environment Agency reads: “The Environment Agency is investigating complaints of odour in Bredbury.
“We understand the impact that strong, unpleasant odours can have on people’s lives and are treating this area as a priority.
“We will consider the appropriate enforcement action to take if any of the sites we regulate in the area are found to be breaching their permit conditions.”
Residents should report any smells to the Environment Agency’s 24 hour hotline number: 0800 80 70 60.
Picture courtesy of Iamali84, via WikiCommons, with thanks.
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