“Enough is enough!” MP calls for closure of Westbury’s waste treatment plant

Westbury’s MP has called for the closure of the town’s Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) plant following consistent odour complaints from residents. 

Dr Andrew Murrison recently met with the Environment Agency to express gratitude for its efforts to get a workable solution out of operator Hills Waste Solutions to reduce the plant’s odour to an acceptable level. 

However, the MP has now called for the early closure of the Northacre MBT, following 12 years of complaints from residents about the smell known as the Westbury Whiff. 

“Enough is enough,” said Dr Murrison. “It’s plain Hills isn’t now going to invest in the site to bring it up to date and the plans it has may well not reduce the disgusting smell or may simply shift it elsewhere. 

“It’s time to say goodbye to the MBT plant. Westbury has had enough – we want it gone.” 

Last year, the MP wrote to the Environment Agency calling for the suspension of Hills’ operating permit in Westbury. He now says the closure of the plant is the only way to prevent another year in which his constituents cannot open their windows or enjoy their gardens. 

A spokesperson from Hills said, “Hills continues to work closely with the Environment Agency in relation to its environmental permits at the Northacre MBT in Westbury – and representatives from Hills will be in attendance at the Environment Agency Community Drop-in event at The Laverton on 17th August.” 

Hills representatives will be joined by representatives from Wiltshire Council and the Environment Agency at the drop-in session on Monday 17th August between 5.30pm and 7.30pm.