Battle is on over Darlaston waste site plans
A campaign has been stepped up against plans to relocate a controversial waste company that came under fire for using two sites illegally – with a committee set up to fight the proposals and hundreds of signatures added to a petition.
Around 100 people attended two campaign meetings to voice their concerns over plans lodged by AB Waste in Darlaston to open a tip on a vacant industrial site in Willenhall Lane, Bloxwich.
A committee of around 10 residents has now been formed to take a lead on fighting the proposals and a petition has already gathered more than 200 signatures.
Objections have been voiced about potential noise issues, traffic concerns and fears that it will create unpleasant smells.
The committee was meeting today to discuss a plan of action on fighting the proposals.
Matt Ward, who is chairman of the committee, said: "People are angry that there has been a lack of consultation.
"They are worried about the noise. They have been told about the smells coming from the existing plant. People are worried about possible infestations with rats.The residents do not want this in their back garden.
"There have been two meetings held about this and we have formed a campaign committee to discuss ways we can fight it.
There were about 100 people altogether at the meetings. We are planning a protest when it gets to the planning meeting." Councillors Ann Young and Tina Jukes are both supporting the campaign.
AB Waste, in Darlaston, came under fire more than a year ago for illegally using two sites. It was also criticised by mourners who said dust from the site was settling on headstones at James Bridge Cemetery.
AB Waste declined to comment.
