High Moor tip is top priority

PRIORITY . . . Gordon Whitaker at the controversial High Moor landfill site

THE Environment Agency’s new manager has stressed that the controversial High Moor tip remains a priority after his first visit to the landfill site.

Gordon Whitaker, who recently took over from Bill Darbyshire, has met site staff and toured the Infinis gas compound and landfill.

Residents have long complained about their lives being blighted by noxious smells from the Scouthead site and have criticised the Environment Agency’s “toothless” attempts to deal with problems there.

But Mr Whitaker moved to reassure them saying: “The issues at High Moor remain a priority for me and my teams.

“I will be continuing to work with all parties to drive improvements forward at the site.

“It was really important for me to get up to the High Moor site.

“It was great to see the improvements that have been made.”

Mr Whitaker is also dealing with the permit application at equally controversial Birks Quarry on the Austerlands/Lees border — where residents are campaigning against plans to open it up for tipping.

The date for the decision on the application has been put back by the Environment Agency to March 13 to allow for meetings to ensure that all the planning and environmental permitting issues have been fully considered.

The move follows Oldham East and Saddleworth MP Phil Woolas writing directly to the new Environment Minister Jane Kennedy asking her to call in all the issues regarding the application from Royton-based Opengoal Limited.

The Agency says Mr Whitaker has a strong background in environmental regulation and brings a wealth of experience in environmental and people-management.

Mr Whitaker can be reached on 01925-543 648.