I see this as an important step in finally ending this smell nightmare for residents of Fleetwood
“Time will tell whether these improved powers are sufficient to enable the Jameson landfill to be closed in acceptable timescales”
Wyre’s Labour group are calling for Jameson Road landfill site to be closed with immediate effect.
Although the issuing of an abatement notice by Wyre Council was a ‘definitive’ move in the right and good news, the group said Transwaste’s lease should not be left to end naturally in December 2027.
Councillor Rob Fail, wrote to Wyre Council to highlight the group’s position.
He said: ““Leaving this to end naturally in December 2027 when the lease runs out should not be seen as acceptable.
“Wyre Council, Lancashire County Council Public Health, the Environment Agency (EA), and the Government Department with responsibility for landfills must all look to accept nothing less than final resolution within a few months - by the end of July or August - not 20 months.
And his reasons were there would be no certainty that any action taken would resolve things for good.
In his letter he added that the final resolution must include the following outcomes.
- The permanent capping within a fixed short-term period, providing a zero risk of smell recurrence.
- No further hazardous waste dumping (and no inert & aggregate waste unless part of the agreed capping process).
- Refusal of any request to fill the ‘final section’ irrespective of original agreed contours.
- Permanent closure of the landfill with defined responsibilities to monitor and address any subsequent issues.
“In order to achieve the required outcomes, the Wyre Labour Group have formally requested that Wyre Council produce a plan for closure, with linked actions to enable that plan to be executed.”
Since Wyre Labour’s request was submitted, there has been some encouraging moves in the right direction including the Environment Agency changing Transwaste's licence and also ensuring better monitoring of the emissions.
Landfill operators will also face stricter regulation and stronger enforcement powers.
“Time will tell whether these improved powers are sufficient to enable the Jameson landfill to be closed in acceptable timescales, but Wyre Labour Group see this as an important step forward in finally ending this nightmare for residents.,” added Cllr Fail.