Large numbers of residents from across our local area have continued to contact me with regards to the on-going odour problem at the Highfields Landfill Site between Shelfield and Walsall Wood. Prior to Christmas I spoke with the Environment Agency to seek assurances that the odour problem would be investigated thoroughly and I posted a message on to my Facebook page.
Before I returned to Parliament after the Christmas Break I met with a large number of residents to discuss the matter and last week I convened a roundtable meeting with the Environment Agency, Walsall Council Officers and Councillors.
The Environment Agency have assured me that they are taking action in conjunction with site operators to resolve this matter.
Before Christmas The Environment Agency put in place a number of actions which included: –
- Reviewing the odour management and gas management plans
- Discussing further waste acceptance procedures
- A campaign locally to address the concerns of local residents.
At the same time Walsall Council are fully committed to working with the operators and the Environment Agency to resolve the odour problem.
Following more than 3,000 people from across the area signing an online petition the matter will also be fully discussed at the next full meeting of Walsall Council meeting in February.
Whilst we have not yet resolved this matter I remain committed to ensuring that this is resolved at the earliest opportunity and I will continue to press the operators, Environment Agency and Walsall Council on your behalf.
I will also continue to stress the importance of the operators, the Environment Agency and Walsall Council liaising and engaging with myself, our local Councillors and residents to share information and updates.