Hartlepool Life has previously reported how residents, living near the town’s “smelly” Seaton Meadows landfill site, had called for it to be closed amid claims it was a “blight on Hartlepool”.
The Environment Agency has now issued a suspension notice to SMLF Ltd, which operates the site in Seaton Carew, following concerns over excess waste being deposited.
The notice prohibits the company from bringing any more waste onto the site.
Seaton Ward councillor Leisa Smith said: “This is very welcome news for residents who have lived with the impact of this landfill for far too long. Fellow Seaton Ward councillor Sue Little and I will continue to monitor the situation closely and push for the site to be completed properly.”
She added: “We are also happy to arrange a ward surgery with the Environment Agency so residents can raise any outstanding questions or concerns directly.”
Gary Wallace, Area Environment Manager at the Environment Agency, said: “We understand the community’s concerns about this site and we’ve taken decisive action to suspend the permit to prevent any more waste from being deposited. We are committed to ensuring this landfill is completed appropriately and safely and we will take further action if necessary to ensure this happens.”
He added that residents may still see material being moved around the site as the operator completes work to comply with the notice but they should not see any further waste being brought on to the site.
Residents can report any concerns to the Environment Agency by calling 0800 807060.
Author: Ian
Reporter and author of Pop Life, covering all things news, music and local events.