Community leaders have criticised the move to remove vital monitoring equipment surrounding Walleys Quarry.

Last week the Environment Agency announced plans to remove the mobile monitoring facility from Maries Way in Silverdale.

The mobile monitoring facility (MMF) is used to track the emissions of hydrogen sulphide from the controversial landfill site. At one point the Environment Agency mobilised four MMFs to monitor the situation, this removal would leave one at Galingale View.

The Environment Agency said: "We have now decided to remove the MMF from Maries Way. We are confident that removing this MMF does not negatively impact our ability to effectively monitor ambient air quality around the site, the MMF at Galingale View is remaining in place.

"We will arrange for temporary monitoring facilities to be deployed if we begin to see a sustained period of odour in the future.

"We are confident that the works being undertaken on site will continue to reduce the risk of odorous emissions.

"Works to date have included improvements to temporary capping and site containment, improved leachate management (including off-site disposal) , and better surface water management within the void area."

This comes as the Environment Agency recently announced hazardous waste, including asbestos, was deposited at the site shortly before the closure notice was issued in November 2024. Reports of odours emanating from the landfill site have fallen, with just one report so far in 2026.

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Leader of Newcastle Borough Council, Councillor Simon Tagg said: "The Environment Agency has announced it will unilaterally remove one of the key monitoring stations around Walleys Quarry. A station that has provided vital data and reassurance to local residents.

"I completely oppose this move. Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council has already lodged a strong objection. This decision couldn't come at a worse time. The Environment Agency has also confirmed there is a pile of waste on site that must be removed due to potential pollution risks.

"So why on earth would you reduce monitoring now? Local residents deserve protection and reassurance, not fewer safeguards."

Adam Jogee MP commented: "I long for the day when we don't need monitoring stations, when we have a properly safe and secure restoration under our belts and have the public inquiry that's required to hold all those – at Borough, County, and national levels – to account for what they did or didn't do and what they should or shouldn't have done. This will, of course, follow the criminal investigation that continues.

"Whilst no specific date was specified for the phased removal of the monitoring station at Maries Way in Silverdale, it's clear that people aren't ready for such a step. I agree with them.

"I have spoken to the Environment Agency and made clear that the trauma felt by so many local people means that more has to be done to maintain confidence and keep the community at the heart of the effort to finally allow us all to move on."