'It absolutely stinks': Scorching weekend in the shadow of Jameson Road landfill
PLUS: Calls for action to be taken over Norcross roundabout and the A585
Hello and welcome to The Blackpool Lead.
Today we report on an issue we’ve reported on at a number of different points over the last few months; the campaign to close the Jameson Road landfill in Fleetwood.
There have been times where the smell was detectable all across Blackpool if complaints are to be believed - and 25C+ temperatures did not help matters this weekend.
The most recent reporting we did on the matter saw an environmental expert tell us that a report from the Environment Agency was not enough to declare the site safe.
But complaints since then have fallen as Transwaste work to mitigate the issues that have affected residents, businesses and thousands in Fleetwood.
We have renewed commitment from the MP for the area that work is being undertaken to ensure its closure before they are due to finish at Jameson Road in 2027.
This week also looks at continued problems with congestion on the A585.
Multiple legal routes being explored in quest to close Jameson Road landfill
By Luke Beardsworth
Hot weather made living in the shadow of a controversial landfill particularly insufferable, according to residents and the local MP.
The Jameson Road landfill, in Fleetwood, has been subject to two enforcement notices by the Environment Agency since it began operating in 2023 as a direct result of failure to manage its odours.
The site is managed by Transwaste who remain adamant that the work they are undertaking to limit the odours is proving effective.
Campaigners have previously expressed anger at Wyre Council and the Environment Agency for not taking stronger action to prevent the odours which they believe, at the very least, are causing a nuisance.
A peaceful protest is planned for 25 July at the landfill undertaken by Action Against James Road Landfill before a public meeting is held at Senior Citizen Hall in Fleetwood on 1 August to discuss what can be done next.
Jess Brown, 34, told The Blackpool Lead: “We’re protesting again on the 25th of July starting at 9am meeting at the gates of the landfill because the health effects from the landfill are still seriously affecting our community.
“On recent hot nights, even with all windows and doors shut, it felt like living in a sauna filled with toxic gas. This isn’t just unpleasant, it's dangerous.
“We’re continuing this campaign to fight for our right to breathe clean air and for the health of Fleetwood and the surrounding areas. Wyre Council and the Environment Agency have been far too lenient on Transwaste, a company that’s clearly unfit to manage a landfill.
“The only thing that will truly help now is closing the place down. It’s time they stepped up and took real action.”
Residents have been reminded that the diary forms, introduced by Wyre Council, are ‘vital evidence’.
Lorraine Beavers, Labour MP for Blackpool North and Fleetwood, who has discussed the issue in parliament, has reiterated how hard she is working to ensure the site’s closure.
She said: “It absolutely stinks this weekend! Last night was awful and then I talked to Wyre Borough Council this morning about it. I can't tell you how hard we are working to get this shut down. We're going down multiple legal routes and working to get better measurements taken but we really, really need your support.
“The odour diary forms are vital evidence and the best way we can work together to get this sorted. We need you to evidence what it's like living with it.”
The most recent update from the Environment Agency in June found that there was a decrease in reports around that period of time.
A spokesperson said: “Despite a recent reduction in reports to the Environment Agency and an improvement in the overall odour situation, our officers remain in the area, carrying out ongoing monitoring and regulation of the landfill.”
The site is expected to continue operating until December 2027 unless further action is taken, either from Wyre Council or the Environment Agency.
The Blackpool Lead asked Transwaste for its view on the impact of the landfill over a particularly hot weekend.
We did not receive a response.
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