Walsall’s labour leader demands action as ‘gassy egg-like stench’ blights residents

Councillor Matt Ward has written to the Environment Agency with concerns about the Highfields Waste Disposal Site on Walsall Road.

A petition was launched in 2019 calling on the Environment Agency and Walsall Council to ‘stop the horrendous smell from the landfill site’, which gained over 3,600 signatures.

The following year, work was carried out to resolve the issue at the site, managed by Enovert North Ltd, by carrying out various repairs and upgrades.

But residents say the ‘intolerable odour’ persists and remains unresolved.

In the latest letter to the Environment Agency, councillor Ward wrote: “For months, residents have endured an overpowering stench, described as a gassy, egg-like odour that seeps into homes and outdoor spaces.

“Many have reported nausea, headaches, and disrupted sleep because of the severity of the smell.

“This is not merely an inconvenience — it is a serious issue affecting the health and well-being of families across Walsall Wood and the surrounding areas.

Councillor Ward has called for the Environment Agency to carry out an investigation into the operations at the site, ensure Enovert North Ltd complies with all regulations, provide regular updates to residents regarding these actions, and find a long-term solution to prevent the issue from returning.

The Environment Agency said it is investigating the site but Enovert said it was unaware of the complaint and is awaiting contact from the regulator.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “We are sorry that local residents are experiencing odour issues that are thought to originate from Highfields landfill.

“We are investigating with Enovert North Ltd, who manage the landfill, and we are carrying out our own odour monitoring surveys.

“If people have environmental concerns about the site they should call our 24/7 hotline on 0800 807060.”

A spokesperson for Enovert North Ltd said: “Enovert was unaware of councillor Ward’s letter to the Environment Agency.

“We await contact from the regulator and will work with them should they wish to undertake a review of our operations outside of any routine regulation of the site.

“Enovert’s Highfield South Landfill site is operated in accordance with its environmental permit, and we are happy to discuss any concerns directly with local councillors.”