Deal sealed on landfill sale

MORE than 500 acres of landfill sites across the region have been sold by the Greater Manchester Waste Disposal Authority.

The authority hasn’t revealed how much was paid for the 18 former landfill sites, including Hardman Fold off Broadway in Failsworth, by buyer Landcare Limited.

Landcare specialises in providing “managed exits” to a variety of blue chip clients in the UK and Europe.

GMWDA chairman Councillor Neil Swannick said “The sites were a legacy, from when the majority of waste was disposed of directly to landfill. Landcare is a specialist professional company with the expertise and opportunity to bring the sites into more beneficial use.”

Landcare’s group managing director Simon Towers added: “A number of the sites are enjoyed by local communities and our aim is to enhance partnership arrangements and be a visible, responsive and responsible company. Over time we will look at ways in which sites can be enhanced through funding and in some cases through redevelopment.”