A Stoke-on-Trent MP has called for the permit at Walleys Quarry to be revoked and the prosecution of the company.

It was also confirmed that Robbie Moore, Minister for Rural Affairs will be visiting Walleys Quarry in the coming days.

This comes as the number of complaints over the quarry have hit a 21 month high. Earlier this month the Environment Agency said they were not satisfied that necessary steps are being taken to prevent the problem of elevated emissions at the site.

Speaking in the House of Commons Jo Gideon MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central invited the minister to visit Walleys Quarry. Ms Gideon said: "Walleys Quarry in the constituency of my honourable friend the member for Newcastle-under-Lyme is stinking again with monitoring stations showing high levels of hydrogen sulphide and complaints soaring. 

"The site is blighting my constituents too, and the Environment Agency now says the owner is no longer working towards compliance. It is long past time that the permit was revoked and the company prosecuted."

Steve Barclay MP, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs replied: "She raises an extremely important issue. I know it is very troubling to those affected. My ministerial colleague is actually going there in the coming days and I can assure her that this is being discussed and very actively followed up."

It was also confirmed that Robbie Moore, Minister for Rural Affairs, will be visiting Walleys Quarry (LDRS).

This week the Shadow Environment Secretary, Steve Reed MP visited the site and held a meeting with residents and campaigners to discuss the issue. After the meeting he said if Labour wins the general election he will haul both the EA and the operator into his office to demand answers.

Speaking after the exchange Jo Gideon commented: "For the past four years, I've consistently raised the issues of Walleys Quarry, and although the site falls within my neighbour's constituency, its activities affect my constituents as well. I am delighted that the Secretary of State has confirmed today the upcoming visit of the Minister for Rural Affairs to Staffordshire to see the site for himself and meet with affected residents to understand the profound impact of the landfill on their lives. 

"Working closely with Aaron Bell MP, I will continue to press for more answers until we Stop The Stink from blighting people's lives further."

MP for Newcastle-under-Lyme, Aaron Bell commented: "I have been working with Robbie Moore to get firmer action on Walley's Quarry, as the company are no longer working towards compliance and have a colossal record of permit breaches. I look forward to welcoming him to Newcastle later this month."

A Walleys Quarry Ltd spokesperson said: ""Contrary to Ms Gideon's claims, all emissions remain well within World Health Organisation guidelines and pose no risk to health. Notwithstanding the EA's own acceptance that some fluctuations in emissions levels are to be expected during cold weather.

"With regards to the mention of a ministerial visit, Walleys Quarry Ltd. would welcome any politician to meet with us so we can discuss our onsite progress. Ms Gideon has received such an invitation herself in the past.

"WQL looks forward to making further progress next year and remains dedicated to working with our neighbours to alleviate concerns and provide a clean, healthy and sustainable operation for our community."

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