RESIDENTS living at an estate plagued by rats and flies thought that someone had DIED because of the horrendous stench.
Locals living in Altrincham, Greater Manchester, have been driven so mad by the waste and rodents that they are desperately trying to move out.
People living on Great Oak Drive are now blaming a nearby waste disposal unit for the problems that they are facing.
But Allen’s Waste Disposal Limited, which has been in business since the 1950s, claim that they are being “victimised” and were working in the area before the estate was built.
The Environment Agency is carrying out an investigation following complaints of rats and fly infestations.
Residents are also claiming the dust from the site make it difficult for them to even open their windows in the summer.
They have raised concerned about the long term risk of health problems linked to air quality.
But the Environment Agency has already ruled that Allen’s site does not produce “excessive” levels of dust after an inspection in June this year.
Resident Tony Ademkunle, 49, told Altrincham Today : “I have asthma so I can’t open my windows. The dust created from the piles of rubbish is making my life difficult."
A second resident, called Katarina, bought her flat earlier this year but claims that had she been aware of the problems she never would have moved to the property.
The 34-year-old said: “I didn’t expect it to be this bad. There is a crack in the wall from the vibration.
“The amount of dust I’m getting is ridiculous. The windows get washed weekly but I don’t feel like they ever get washed.
“I like having herb gardens but I’m not sure I can eat them.
“I had to buy fly traps. I got about 20 flies overnight. When I first moved in, I thought something had died in my flat.
“The older owner of my house painted the walls grey, which I thought was odd at first. When I repainted it white, I could see why!”
Another local claims that they can see rats “scurrying around” the roadside near to the waste site.
They added: “It impacts on how you feel about where you live. I’ve seen them wandering through our garden.
“Imagine if you saw rats running around the street every time you came home.
“One day, I saw four dead rats on the road. It’s part of the reason why we have moved – if you bump your car, you fall out with it. I've fallen out with this house and want to move.”
A spokesman for Trafford Council said: “The main regulator for the site is the Environment Agency and Trafford Council works closely with them on matters which fall under our control.
“We take concerns from residents very seriously and regularly meet with Environment Agency colleagues to highlight residents’ concerns and ensure there is a coordinated approach to regulating the site.
“If residents do have any concerns, they should contact the Environment Agency or Trafford Council’s Environmental Health team.”
In a statement, the Environmental Agency added: “We would like to thank members of the public who have reported waste issues to us in Altringham [sic].
“As the Environment Agency is currently investigating, we are unable to comment further in order not to prejudice our enquiries.
“Members of the public can continue to call our 24/7 incident hotline on 0800 80 70 60 to report incidents of this nature.”
'WE WERE HERE FIRST'
Speaking to the MEN David Allen, who owns Allen’s waste Disposal Limited, claimed that he felt that he was being “victimised.”
He said: "We were here first. They were built around us. We're a third generation business. We have been here for 60 years.
"It was all industrial around us. For years, they've built houses around us. We have pest control. We pay for pest control every month.
"The site is checked for pests. The Environmental Agency came on Friday and they were happy with everything.
"We don't keep waste here for more than a week. It's moved all the time. It's moved on a daily basis.”
Builders merchant Jewson, which is near to the waste disposal site, confirmed that they were “aware” of the issues and has also been in touch with various bodies to seek “support”.
They also alleged that Allen’s had “excessive unmanaged dust and flies, which is particularly a problem in the dry summer months and comes from the waste processing site located next to Jewson.”
A spokesman added: "We pride ourselves on being a responsible neighbour and we want our colleagues to work in a place that is good for their health and wellbeing.
"This is why we want to see steps taken to improve the situation for both colleagues and customers visiting Jewson.”
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