RESIDENTS are celebrating victory in a “David and Goliath” battle to block the expansion of a giant landfill site.
A government inspector has rejected an appeal by waste disposal giants Biffa against the refusal, by
Warrington Borough Council, to grant permission for extensions to the Risley Landfill Site.
If Biffa had won their appeal, tipping would have continued for a further two years, swallowing up prime agricultural land in the green belt.
As it is, tipping will now have to cease before the end of this year and the tip operators will have to start reinstatement work – which itself could take two years.
Coun Keith Bland said: “I am over the moon about this. It is really marvellous for the people of Culcheth, Croft and Birchwood. It just shows that David can slay Goliath sometimes. I think the Risley Landfill Opposition Group did an excellent job and I am pleased that Culcheth and Glazebury Parish Council supported them.”
The decision follows a lengthy public inquiry in Warrington during April and May.
Residents have suffered the adverse effects of the site for nearly 30 years – noise, smells, vermin and heavy traffic. More than 1,000 local people signed a petition opposing the extension.
