I welcome Newcastle Borough Council’s scrutiny inquiry into the Walley’s Quarry landfill.
Since my election I have met with local campaigners, with the Environment Agency (EA) following publication of their report, and with Red Industries.
The EA report found that the level and frequency of odours were within statutory limits, and Red Industries repeatedly stressed to me that they run a compliant site.
Nevertheless it remains my opinion that the levels of odour that local residents in Silverdale, Knutton, Poolfields and the neighbouring communities often endure are an unacceptable blight on their quality of life.
Therefore I have secured a debate in Parliament on Tuesday 25th February (in Westminster Hall) at which I will be making this argument to a Minister from the Department for the Environment.
I have already had cross-party interest from a number of other MPs around the country who wish to contribute to the debate, and I hope it will highlight the strength of feeling on this issue both in Newcastle and elsewhere, and may ultimately lead to legal changes.
I would welcome feedback from affected constituents about their experiences in advance of this debate: please email me at aaron.bell.mp@parliament.uk, and include your postal address.
Best regards, Aaron