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LOCAL MP SAYS “STOP THE STINK”

April 30, 2013 11:46 AM

Hazel Grove MP Andrew Stunell is calling for tough action to tackle the 'Bredbury Stink'.

"A strong smell has plagued the Bredbury area for two years now, and at its worst is creating completely unacceptable conditions for local people. I've told the Environment Agency that residents want firm action to stop the problem, and prosecution of those responsible."

Mr Stunell held a crisis meeting with the Agency this week to discuss breaches of licensing conditions by both the Virador and Junction 25 recycling operations on Bredbury Industrial Estate, and to push for legal action.

Commenting, Andrew Stunell said -

"The Environment Agency has identified the stink in Easter week as coming from Virador, where filters broke and noxious smells were being discharged straight to atmosphere. They also have found some 'Permit Breaches' at J25 as well, unfortunately not for the first time. I want the problems at both plants fixed and residents to be given the assurances they deserve that incidents like these won't just keep happening."

The Environment Agency told Mr Stunell that they have established points surrounding the sites where official 'sniffs' are being done virtually every day. This is designed to discover any breach of conditions, take account of wind direction and allow the correct site to be pin-pointed quickly so further action can be taken.

Bredbury resident, Nicola Smith of The Drive, said -

"I came home one day early in the year when it was still cold & wondered what on earth I'd left in my wheelie bin for such a stink. I then realised the bin was empty! All I could think was if it's like this in winter, what will it be like in the summer? I don't want to sit in my garden with it, a BBQ doesn't mask the smell & even the kids don't want to play out in it."

The Environment Agency is also calling on local residents to report any smells to them immediately so residents in the area who do get a whiff of the 'stink' whilst at home should immediately call the Environment Agency 24 hour hot-line 0800 80 70 60.

"If we want prosecutions, we do need every scrap of evidence, so I very much hope residents will call the hot line whenever they smell a problem" says Mr Stunell.