Published: Tuesday, 31st December 2019
Following a discussion between the Leader of the Council and the Chairman of the Community Scrutiny Committee, the Council has taken the unusual step of arranging an urgent Community Scrutiny meeting to consider the ongoing problems associated with the Biffa Poplars Landfill & Anaerobic Digestion Site, Lichfield Road Cannock.
The meeting is to be held at the Civic Offices, Beecroft Road, Cannock on Monday 13January at 10am.
Councillor George Adamson, Leader of the Council said, “We recognise the major public concern over the ongoing odour emissions from this site. Whilst the Council is not the Regulator for enforcement of the site permit conditions, we have decided to use our scrutiny powers to request that the Environment Agency and Biffa present us with the latest updates on the causes and solutions to this issue, and to address expectations and concerns of local residents.”
“My colleague Councillor John Preece, Environment Portfolio Leader, wrote to the Environment Agency before Christmas seeking answers to a number of important questions. We await a response to this letter.”
Councillor Paul Woodhead, Chair of the Community Scrutiny Committee said, “We hope both the Environment Agency and Biffa will use this opportunity to explain to all concerned what exactly is causing this issue, how long this problem will persist and what steps will be taken to prevent a recurrence. It is also important that residents are reassured that there are no health implications”.
Councillor Adamson added: “Once the Scrutiny Committee has heard from the Environment Agency and Biffa, the Council will then consider what additional steps might be available to ensure this issue is satisfactorily addressed for the benefit of all residents affected”.
Details of the forthcoming meeting will be posted on the Council’s website in due course.