Tip site shakes have have residents rattled

People living near a controversial landfill site have again been the victims of earth shakes.

Problems began at the High Moor tip at Scouthead when a generator which siphons gas from the vast site developed a fault.

The ground shudders lasted more than 15 minutes and the Environment Agency has launched a full-scale inquiry.

The site is subject of a high profile campaign by locals who have threatened to blockade the tip unless drastic steps are taken in their catalogue of problems, including noxious smells.

Pensioner Irene Smith, who lives near the tip, said: “I am completely stressed out.

“I have lived here for 30 years but things have just got worse. My daughter, Karen, was in the house when the vibrations started.

“We had similar problems with vibrations before, but this time the seals on my double-glazed windows have been damaged and our home’s waste water pipe is leaking. The whole situation is making me unwell,” she said.

“I really tore a strip off the site officials. It is just not good enough. ”

Anti-tip campaigner Diane Bolan, who contacted the Environment Agency’s manager, Bill Darbyshire, said: “The earth began to vibrate again and our houses were shaking. It was like an earthquake.

“We were told by the gas generating company that this would not happen again after the troubles last year.

“This is totally unacceptable again.”

Councillor Derek Heffernan, who has led protests about the tip, said: “Our arguments against the siting of the extra flare and generator have, apparently, again been confirmed.

“Local people with local knowledge have been totally ignored by ‘experts’ who get it wrong.

“We have asked Infinis, who operate the gas compound, to provide us with more information.”

A spokesman for Infinis said:”We can confirm that one of the three existing engines developed a fault.

“The technician undertook appropriate action as quickly and efficiently as possible to turn the engine back on.

“While we did not receive any reports of vibration direct we will investigate any issues raised with the Environment Agency.”