Council chiefs have welcomed the 'marked improvement' at Walleys Quarry – with just one complaint received so far this year.

Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council recorded 1,620 complaints from residents about the smell coming from the controversial Silverdale landfill site last January.

But cabinet members were told that so far this year the authority had received just a single odour complaint.

The Environment Agency has been managing the landfill since former operator Walleys Quarry Ltd went into liquidation in February 2025, two months after the site was served with a closure notice.

Over the past year, hydrogen sulphide emissions from the site have remained mostly below the 'annoyance' threshold. This follows works carried out by the EA using discretionary powers to prevent serious pollution.

Chief executive Gordon Mole gave cabinet members an update on the situation at Walleys Quarry, noting the change from a year ago.

He said: "We've had zero complaints in February and into March, which means we've had one complaint in total for 2026. Compared to where we were at the beginning of 2025, that is a marked improvement of some magnitude."

Mr Mole told the cabinet meeting that a leachate processing facility at Walleys Quarry would soon be operational, which should mean fewer HGV movements to and from the site.

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He added that securing government funding for the full restoration of the site remains a 'top priority'.

Cabinet members welcomed the improved situation, while noting the need for continued monitoring.

Deputy council leader Stephen Sweeney said: "The number of complaints being at minimal levels is good news, but the million dollar question is whether the government is going to come up with the money?"

Council leader Simon Tagg said: "The team now working on the site from the Environment Agency deserve credit for how they are managing the site. That is borne out by the fact that there's been only one complaint recorded in 2026 so far. That shows that we're heading in the right direction.

"It's a good picture, but one that can go awry if it isn't monitored and the work isn't up to scratch."

Mr Tagg said that a meeting with stakeholders in the community is being arranged for later in the month.