Hollingdean 'dump' kicks up a stink (From The Argus)

Hollingdean 'dump' kicks up a stink

10:59am Friday 22nd August 2008 in News By Lawrence Marzouk, Local Government Correspondent

Sarah O'Mahoney with, from left, children Ciara, Malachy and Macushia outside the new depot

A controversial “dump” has attracted criticism in its first week.

The waste sorting station in Hollingdean, Brighton, started receiving bin loads at the end of last week.

The multimillion-pound facility was supposed to be sealed so waste was not visible and bad odours avoided but neither problem has been prevented, campaigners claim.

Neighbours are also angry that rubbish was stored at the depot last weekend.

Waste firm Veolia, which is running the centre for Brighton and Hove City Council, said doors would be installed today.

The £10 million plans for a waste transfer and recycling centre at the former abattoir have been fiercely opposed by residents and campaign group Dump the Dump.

Sarah O’Mahoney, a 46-year-old mother of three from nearby Hollingbury Road, said: “Veolia and Jennie Rowlands, director of the environment, insisted adamantly in the face of bitter local opposition to the development, that the building would be completely sealed and that the local community would not be exposed to any pollution from the site.

“They also insisted that waste would not be stored at the waste transfer station and that it would be cleared at the end of the day.

“It is disgraceful that the station has been operating with its back doors open and bales of putrid smelling household waste exposed to the passing public. The council is failing in its duty to protect the community around the site.”

A joint statement released by Veolia Environmental Services and the council read: “Veolia Environmental Services takes great care in maintaining all waste facilities on behalf of Brighton and Hove City Council.

“The doors for the waste transfer station will be in place tomorrow and rubbish will no longer be on view.

“Planning consent gives permission for waste to be stored at the transfer station for up to 72 hours, but under normal circumstances waste will be removed daily.”

How is the 'dump' affecting the community? Leave your comments below.