Homes near tip hit by invasion of flies

A RESIDENT is calling for a public meeting after flies invaded homes and businesses near High Moor landfill.

Robert Knotts, who lives in Austerlands and acts as a “sleeping policeman” visiting the Scouthead site and working alongside its operators, is seeking a discussion with other residents, government and local agencies to combat the problem.

He claims rubbish should be treated by suppliers before being taken to the tip to prevent flies breeding.

And he says the problem could contribute to odours emitted from the tip in warm weather in the summer months.

Mr Knotts, a former RAF squadron leader who lives in Austerlands, said: “Smells could come from fresh waste and I want processes inspected to ensure odour suppressants are being applied before loads are delivered to the High Moor site.”

He cited a four-year study of a dozen UK landfill sites by Southampton University which said fly numbers could be cut by composting kitchen scraps and garden clippings instead of sending it to tips where it provided rich food for flies.

He said: “I am not saying the problem is caused by the tip’s operators. Oldham’s latest tipping policies has led to kitchen waste being tipped at High Moor.

“I want a meeting to include residents and all the authorities responsible for dumping waste at the site.

“People close to the quarry have experienced major intrusions of flies in their homes when the weather gets warm.

“We need assurances that waste treatment processes are in place and are being implemented effectively.”

He said local businesses, including a school at Scouthead, suffered from the influx of flies. “However, it is ironic, that there are not a large number of flies on the High Moor site itself,” he said.

Veolia Environmental Service, which operates the site, stressed it is working with local residents and the Environment Agency over the fly problem.

A spokesman: said “We have increased site inspections and spraying of waste to twice a week to prevent flies. In addition, a report has been commissioned from an insect expert.

“At the time of his visit, he commented favourably on management standards at the site and the lower than anticipated fly activity at this time of the year.”