'If we hold an inquiry it might not happen again

Phil Corrigan reports on the latest developments in the long-running saga surrounding Walleys Quarry

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THE Government has again rejected calls for a public inquiry into the Environment Agency's handling of a controversial landfill site.

In July, Newcastle Borough Council reiterated its request for an inquiry into the EA's regulation of Walleys Quarry in Silverdale, which was the subject of thousands of odour complaints from neighbours.

But environment minister Mary Creagh has written back saying her position has not changed since she turned down the council’s previous request for an inquiry last year. Ms Creagh said she is ‘not convinced of the benefits of holding such an inquiry,’ and claims the EA “has complied with environmental law and has fulfilled its statutory duties in regulating Walleys Quarry.