Today I asked the new Minister for Vaccines and Public Health what discussions the Department for Health and Social Care has had with the Secretary of State for DEFRA on the short-term and long-term impact on public health of the ongoing odorous emissions from Walley’s Quarry.
I hope that the Minister is right that the new plan produced by the Environment Agency last week will take into account the impact of the gases on the public health of constituents. The Minister has also said the re-evaluation of the EAs regulatory approach will seek to address the situation as quickly and effectively as possible.
This ongoing public health emergency in Newcastle-under-Lyme has been and still is a major trial for local residents. Going forward I hope that no other town has to suffer with what we have had to go through.