4:20pm Sunday 5th September 2010
RESIDENTS are being urged to report problems at a recycling factory.
A huge blaze broke out at Armstrong Environmental Services in Horwich on Tuesday and firefighters are still at the scene dampening down the smouldering site.
Bolton West MP Julie Hilling met with Environment Agency officials on Wednesday to discuss residents’ concerns about Armstrongs in Chorley New Road.
She had arranged the meeting before the fire, which is still causing disruption in the area.
Police are treating the blaze as arson and have launched an investigation.
Residents have also raised concerns about operations in Chorley New Road and Pilkington Quarry in Georges Lane, Horwich, which is also owned by Armstrong. Ms Hilling said: “I made the Environment Agency aware of the strength of feeling locally about Armstrongs.
“I have received a lot of emails from residents, which I have passed on, and they said they would respond to them.
“The Environment Agency needs people to report every incident of bad smells, dust, fire or whatever directly to them to help them take action against Armstrongs.
“They are sampling water at the quarry and investigating reports of noise at night time.
“I will continue to keep the pressure up on the Environment Agency so we can bring Armstrongs to account.”
Neighbours can report any problems to the Environment Agency on 0800 807060.
John McCarthy, environment officer, said: “The Environment Agency met with Julie Hilling MP to address the concerns of her constituency regarding Armstrongs Environmental Services Ltd.
“Armstrongs are in court on September 17 to enter a plea in relation to an investigation into breaches of permit conditions at their waste transfer station.”
Armstrong was unavailable for comment.
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