6,206 tip petition goes to Commons

A PETITION protesting about the proposed extension of the licence for the giant Arpley Landfill Site has been presented in the House of Commons by Warrington South MP, David Mowat.
The petition declares that “the people of Warrington have put up with the Arpley landfill site and the traffic, smells and other undesirable side effects which it causes for long enough.”
It urges that all reasonable steps be taken to ensure that the site’s licence is not extended.
A total of 6,206 people signed the petition.
Mr Mowat (pictured) said he was presenting the petition on behalf of the people of Warrington in respect of their objection to the proposal to potentially continue the licence at Arpley tip beyond 2013.
He said: “Working with community leaders and councillors from all political parties in Warrington, we have collected 6,206 signatures from residents, many of whose homes and lives have been blighted by their proximity to Arpley tip, whose side effects have been felt for more than 20 years.”
The petition added: “The Petitioners therefore request that the House of Commons urges the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs to take all reasonable steps to ensure that the site’s licence is not extended.”
The Waste Recycling Group (WRG) wants to extend the operational use of the site until 2025 but stress there will be no increase in the volume of waste the site will receive, but merely an extension of time to complete site operations and land restoration.
As part of the proposal, WRG would extend their commitment to manage and operate Moore Nature Reserve until 2030.
A widespread consultation operation has been mounted by the company – but opposition from residents has remained strong.
It is known that the carcasses of some 400 cattle believed to be infected with BSE were buried on the site but the Government has given an assurance that in the event of the life of the tip being extended, steps would be taken to ensure there was no health risk.