'Disappointed' Transwaste issues statement on Fleetwood landfill stench Abatement Notice
The Abatement Notice is in place for 60 days.
Transwaste has released a statement after Wyre Council issued an Abatement Notice to the operator of the Jameson Road landfill in Fleetwood.
The notice, served yesterday, requires Transwaste Recycling and Aggregates Ltd to ‘implement measures that will prevent unwanted odour from Jameson Road Landfill from unreasonably affecting people at their homes or places of work.’
The company has 60 days to abate the nuisance, as specified in the legal notice.
In response, a Transwaste statement read: “Transwaste acknowledges receipt of the Abatement Notice served by Wyre Council in relation to Jameson Road Landfill, Fleetwood. The company is currently taking legal advice.
“Jameson Road operates fully within the conditions of its Environment Agency permit. Transwaste is already delivering a comprehensive programme of works that goes significantly beyond statutory requirements and which the company believes will resolve the odour issues raised.
“This includes the permanent capping works, multiple phases of deep gas well installation throughout 2025 and 2026, an expanded landfill gas extraction network, enhanced cover materials and continuous independent monitoring. Capital investment in this programme is well in excess of standard legal obligations.
“Wyre Council has itself appointed independent consultants to audit the site on multiple occasions. Transwaste is disappointed that the Council has chosen not to publicise the findings of these audits as we believe this would give a more balanced picture.
“The company will continue to engage openly with residents, Wyre Council and the Environment Agency, and remains fully committed to minimising any impact on the local community while completing this essential work.”
Welcome news
It will be welcome news for Fleetwood residents who have tirelessly campaigned and protested about the fould smell drifting from the site.
They have huge health concerns about how toxic gases are affecting them and are sick of the misery in putting up with the stench.
Councillor Michael Vincent, the Leader of Wyre Council, said: "From the start, we have made it clear that our priorities are fully in line with those of our residents, and we have worked to gather the robust evidence needed to meet the legal standards required by the courts in order to issue this abatement notice.
“The notice, now formally in place, legally compels Transwaste Recycling and Aggregates Ltd to take effective action to stop landfill odours from significantly impacting people’s homes and workplaces.”
This period of time is based upon legal advice and has been set in accordance with the requirements of the legislation, which stipulates that the operator must be given a ‘reasonable time period’ in which to comply.
Wyre Council holds powers to address statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
This decision to serve a notice follows a process of evidence-gathering with local residents to build a case that meets the legal test for Statutory Nuisance.
Wyre Council has recently received an increase in the number of diary sheets submitted by residents and officer verification visits accepted. Additionally, the authority has completed two enhanced monitoring studies with residents who regularly submitted evidence.
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Under the legislation, the operator is permitted to continue site activities while the abatement notice is in effect; however, they are required by law to abate the nuisance within the specified 60-day timeframe. The Council will monitor compliance very closely to ensure the issue is properly resolved.
“We would like to sincerely thank all residents who contributed diary sheets and welcomed officer visits, as their cooperation was essential in building the case for formal action,” said Cllr Vincent.
It is crucial that residents who are affected by unwanted odour continue to record these instances on diary sheets and report them to the Council. Now that the abatement notice is in force, it is even more important that high-quality evidence is collected and submitted.
Maintaining accurate records enables the council to monitor compliance effectively and ensures that any ongoing issues can be addressed promptly and in accordance with legal requirements.