MP Lorraine Beavers demands closure of Fleetwood's Jameson Road landfill site amid ongoing smell concerns
Blackpool North and Fleetwood MP Lorraine Beavers has called for the immediate closure of the controversial Jameson Road landfill site, saying residents are “at breaking point” after months of worsening odours.
In a statement posted on Facebook on Thursday, March 19, Ms Beavers said urgent action was needed to hold site operator Transwaste to account.
“We’ve had enough,” she said. “We need to make sure that Transwaste are held to account for their failings, and we need to make sure the Jameson Road landfill site is closed.”
The MP confirmed she has written to the Secretary of State demanding assurances that the company “will not be allowed to evade accountability” and is due to meet with the Environment Agency on Friday, March 20.
“Toxic stench” complaints continue
In her letter, Ms Beavers described being “inundated” with messages from residents waking up to what she called a “toxic stench” from the site.
She said the issue has persisted for at least 18 months and criticised both the operator and the current regulatory system.
“Despite repeated interventions from the Environment Agency, the stink is only getting worse,” she wrote.
She added that Transwaste had previously received the lowest possible compliance rating from the regulator in 2024, yet operations continue.
“How can this be allowed to happen?” she said. “Either the Environment Agency need strengthened powers, or greater resources – or quite possibly both. The status quo is not acceptable.”
Ms Beavers has requested an urgent meeting with the Secretary of State to discuss how the site can be “shut down once and for all”.
Environment Agency response
In an update published the same day, the Environment Agency acknowledged a recent increase in odour reports during March, describing the situation as “unacceptable” for those living and working nearby.
The agency said a range of factors could be contributing to the problem, including weather conditions, ongoing capping works, and waste decomposition.
It outlined a series of planned measures, including:
- Permanent capping of landfill areas to modern standards
- Installation of additional gas extraction systems
- Replacement gas wells planned for April
- Increased inspections and specialist audits
The Environment Agency also confirmed it is assessing the operator’s ability to manage the site and is considering “the full regulatory options available”, including potential permit changes or closure-related action.
Community frustration growing
The latest developments come amid rising anger among residents, who have reported foul smells likened to rotten eggs and a range of health concerns including headaches, nosebleeds and breathing difficulties.
Recent weeks have seen renewed protests, with campaigners warning the situation is “worse than ever” and a major march planned for later this month.
Lancashire County Council has also been gathering evidence on the potential health impacts through public questionnaires.
Despite ongoing enforcement action and monitoring, many residents feel progress has been too slow.
Ms Beavers said she will take those concerns directly to regulators in her meeting on Friday.
“I will be expressing to them the pain our community is suffering,” she said.
More detailed information about ongoing works at the site is available via the Environment Agency’s community engagement pages for the Jameson Road Landfill Site.
Residents are encouraged to report odours directly to the authorities.
Smells can be reported to the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60, or to Wyre Council via its online reporting form.