Action demand over tip

Anti-tip protesters have renewed their demands for the closure of a controversial Saddleworth tip.

Diane Bolan, whose farm backs on to High Moor landfill, was responding to remarks by new Environment Agency (EA) general manager Gordon Whitaker, who stressed the site remains a priority following his first visit to the Scouthead site.

Mrs Bolan said: “We want action, not words.”

Phil Woolas, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, revealed he has written to Mr Whitaker’s boss, Keith Ashworth, the EA’s area manager, inviting him to a meeting with residents.

In his letter Mr Woolas said: “The purpose would be to establish a plan of action on how to effectively monitor and report evidence of odours in order to curtail the problems faced by local residents.”

Mrs Bolan said she has been contacted by Mr Whitaker who wants to meet her to discuss tip issues.

She said: “Mr Whitaker can make promises but all the residents simply want the tip closed down now. We have all had enough of the vile smells and other problems here. Closing the tip is the only real answer.”

After visiting the site, Mr Whitaker issued a statement 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.”