Residents invited to discuss waste facility concerns at drop-in session

Local residents will have an opportunity to raise concerns about the Northacre Mechanical Biological Treatment (MBT) facility with representatives at a drop-in session next month. 

Representatives from Hills Waste Solutions, Wiltshire Council and the Environment Agency will attend the event at The Laverton on Monday 17th August from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. 

The meeting comes after the recent temporary closure of the MBT following the failure of a critical component and an increase in complaints from residents about ongoing odour issues, known locally as the Westbury Whiff. 

The Environment Agency says it understands the frustration caused by ongoing odour impacts associated with the facility. 

A spokesperson said, “We are currently receiving an increased number of odour reports from residents in Westbury. As part of our ongoing response, we are assessing the impact of the recent site shutdown and improvement works, gathering evidence both on and off site to understand how effective these changes have been and whether further action is needed. 

“We are considering all available regulatory and enforcement options and will not hesitate to take further action where the evidence supports it. We will share information about any enforcement action as soon as we are able to do so. 

“To help answer residents’ questions and concerns, we are supporting a multi-agency drop-in event organised by Wiltshire Council.” 

The drop-in session is open to all residents and there is no need to book. 

A spokesperson from Wiltshire Council said, “This is an opportunity to speak directly with representatives from Wiltshire Council, the Environment Agency and Hills in an informal setting, ask questions, raise concerns and receive the latest updates.”