Landfill's permit 'disclaimed' after liquidation

The environmental permit for a landfill, which was forced to close following complaints of noxious fumes, "no longer exists" after its owner entered liquidation.

The Environment Agency (EA) confirmed the permit held by Walleys Quarry Ltd, which ran Walleys Quarry in Silverdale, Staffordshire, had been "disclaimed".

The company's liquidation was confirmed on Friday, three months after the EA issued a closure notice forbidding the site from accepting any new waste.

Walleys Quarry Ltd has not commented since the firm entered liquidation.

A spokesperson for the EA said it had assessed the landfill and was satisfied there were "no immediate serious risks of pollution" or harm to human health.

"We will use the powers available to us to ensure that the necessary steps are taken to remove the risk of serious pollution, including instructing specialist contractors," they said.

"We remain committed to working alongside partners to secure a long term, stable and sustainable resolution."

The landfill was issued the closure notice on 28 November, with the EA saying all other options had been exhausted and accusing Walleys Quarry Ltd of poor management of the site.

It came after years of complaints and protests from nearby residents over the stench at the site.

Walleys Quarry Ltd rejected the EA's accusation of poor management and had lodged an appeal against the closure order before its liquidation.

"We are clear that keeping the site open delivers greatest benefit and sustainability for the site," the firm said at the time.

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