‘How much more must we endure?’

Robert Knotts and Diane Bolan at the quarry alliance

A fierce backlash against proposals to extend a controversial landfill site was launched today by residents who claim it is blighting their lives.

It comes after yesterday’s revelation in the Oldham Chronicle that High Moor tip at Scouthead is being considered as a dumping ground for residual waste.

A public consultation document identified it as one of the ‘potentially suitable’ sites in Greater Manchester.

The tip’s current boundary could be extended which would also extend the tip’s life.

Ten authorities, part of the Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA), produced the waste plan document.

Their report shows a map of the tip which presently has a capacity of 2.7 million cubic metres and planning permission until 2014.

The additional 8.5 hectares for proposed residual waste disposal could create an extra 1.8 million cubic metres.

But locals, who have waged a campaign to have the present tip closed because of noxious smells slammed the idea.

Retired heath service professional Irene Kilroy-Power, said: “We have all been through hell and high water with the present tip.

“I can’t believe this would continue with more years of misery which has already blighted the local and extended community.”

Val Locklin, head of Saddleworth Nursery School said: “It would be an ongoing nightmare.

“The number of lorries carrying waste would increase bringing more potential danger to the area.”

Robert Knotts is joint chairman of the High Moor and Birks Quarry Alliance with Diane Bolan, who launched her own ‘stop the stench’ website.

He said: “Considering all the issues we currently face, I am concerned and angry there could be many more years of problems.”

Councillor Derek Heffernan, who has battled against the stink at High Moor for more than 10 years, visited the site with Councillor Alan Roughley. Councillor Heffernan believed the possible new site was very close to a former urban council tip.

He said: “That tip was shown by Friends of the Earth to contain some very nasty ingredients. I wonder if the people who drew up these proposals know the history or are aware of current problems?

“The current proposal would mean extending life of High moor by eight or 10 years.

“For 10 years residents of High Moor, Scouthead, Austerlands and Huddersfield Road, Lees, have suffered daily pollution and noxious odours. How much more are they going to be forced to endure?”

The report says the aim is to ensure the public have a say in deciding how they should deal with residual waste disposal, location and green policies.

The plans can be seen online at: www.gmwastedpd.co.uk or t at all libraries, Access Oldham, planning reception on level 11 – Civic Centre and business centre reception.

Residents have until Friday, May 1, to make their opinions known.