CONCERNS have been raised about the chances likelihood of smells from a Chorley landfill site returning.

Mark Clifford, chairman of the liaison committee,who meets with officials from Blackburn waste management firm Quercia, the Environment Agency, Public Health England and Lancashire County Council to discuss the situation on the Clayton Hall Landfill site.

He said: “They had an issue with the vertical seals on the site when traffic is going on it but have got the area sorted.

“There are concerns that if they start to accept more rubbish on site with more heavy good vehicles it could return.

“It is unacceptable if they are bringing domestic waste again. Industrial waste does not smell but if they bring on domestic waste then that could attract the rats and birds.

“The Environment Agency put conditions saying they could put industrial waste and not domestic. I know they have lost a contract because of the issues but I wonder whether they will just accept anything to make up the money.”

Mr Clifford believes waste could be coming back on the site from mid-May but Environment Agency chiefs needed to look at the site.

A spokesman for Quercia said: “Work was undertaken last week to improve the seal on the capping in a couple of small areas in the southeast corner of the site. This work is now complete and we are confident that there is an adequate seal in place. We will continue to monitor the site to ensure that there are no further areas that require attention.”

“Discussions have continued with the Environment Agency to agree a satisfactory way of working, which will enable us to start to accept waste back into the site. We will update further on this in due course. Residents can find up to date information on our website www.quercialtd.co.uk and on Twitter @QuerciaLtd”