An East Lancashire local authority's full meeting is being urged to demand an action plan timeline for tackling smells and flocks of gulls descending on a major rubbish tip.
Hyndburn Council will debate a motion calling for "urgent action on the impact of Whinney Hill Landfill Site" when it meets in Accrington Town Hall on Thursday.
The controversial tip in Altham operated by SUEZ Recycling and Recovery has been the subject of repeated complaints over the years and takes rubbish from across Lancashire under a contract with the county council.
Last summer residents posted pictures and videos on social media of seagulls swarming around the site with some comparing the scenes to “something from a horror movie”.
There have also been complaints about smells, rats and flies.
Now Hyndburn Council's deputy leader Cllr Noordad Aziz has proposed a motion to the meeting calling on SUEZ, Lancashire County Council and regulator the Environment Agency to draw up an action plan for sorting out the problems.
Seconded by the authority's operation boss Cllr Vanessa Alexander it reads: "This council notes:
" * the ongoing issues affecting residents due to the seagulls and odour emanating from the Whinney Hill Landfill site;
" * the detrimental impact these issues have on the quality of life, health, and well-being of local residents; and
" * the responsibility of Lancashire County Council, the Environment Agency, and SUEZ in regulating,managing, and mitigating the environmental impact of the landfill site.
"This council resolves to:
" * write to Lancashire County Council, the Environment Agency, and SUEZ to highlight the significant impact the landfill site is having on residents due to the persistent odour and seagull nuisance;
" * urge all responsible authorities to take immediate and effective action to address these concerns, including enhanced mitigation measures and stricter enforcement of environmental regulations;
" *request a formal response outlining the actions they intend to take and a timeline for implementation; and
" * work closely with residents and relevant agencies to monitor progress and ensure accountability in resolving these ongoing issues.
"This council demands urgent action to protect the well-being of our community and will continue to press for a resolution to these unacceptable conditions."
In July Richard Phillips, landfill operations manager at SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK, said: “We apologise for the inconvenience caused by seagulls and would like to assure residents that we are actively working to deter them and minimise their impact on the local area.
"We are currently deploying every measure within our plan to mitigate the number of seagulls in the area and are working with the Environment Agency as well as independent specialist contractors to explore what further steps we may be able to take to address local concerns.”
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