Around 70 protesters gathered outside Rossendale Council’s offices to express their disapproval of the council’s planning application which proposes to upgrade its controversial waste transfer station. Disgruntled residents from Bacup and Stacksteads held banners showcasing their opposition to the Henrietta Street-based site last Friday outside Futures Park, Bacup.
Bacup resident Mark Dexter created a petition which has now gained more than 1,200 signatures, nearing its 1,500 goal and organised the protest.
He said: “The council are already facing challenges with the current site so we aren’t confident that when there is a significant increase to waste management, the council can provide us reassurance the appropriate safeguards for residents in terms of pollution and noise will be in place as well as for local wildlife and their habitats. It is sad and disheartening to see many people in Bacup completely unaware about the plans.
“The key priority of this was to raise awareness. Bacup has green rolling hills and it is a good place to raise a family and connect with the countryside, but slowly but surely we are having this eroded.
“I liaised with Rossendale Police and the council to make sure the protest was peaceful and protesters were kept safe. I would like to thank Rossendale Council for providing a secure and safe space to protest and exercise our democratic right.
Protesters gathered outside of Rossendale Council’s offices at Futures Park
“We hope this will lead to a constructive dialogue between ourselves and the council to develop a sustainable and long term solution.”
The proposed change of the site layout includes the demolition of some buildings to be replaced with a single larger unit which will include waste storage bays. The council say this new larger unit should help to reduce noise and significantly improve the outlook of neighbouring properties.
However, residents say they already experience bad noise and smells as well as vermin coming into their homes and the site expansion will only exacerbate these current issues.
Protester Guy Walton holding a placard which reads ‘Whose backyard?’ outside of Rossendale Council’s offices
Protester Pete Irwell, said: “None of our councillors came to support the good folk of Bacup and all our lovely visitors. It’s almost as if they couldn’t care less about the hundreds of families who will have their quality of life ruined.”
Rossendale Council said: “The proposed facility on the site of the existing waste transfer station and the Council Environmental Operations Depot will ensure that waste continues to be managed responsibly and efficiently. Key features include a purpose-built building with advanced fire suppression systems, odour control technology, and a high-performance carbon filter system, all designed to enhance environmental protections for the surrounding area.
“A significant improvement is that all storage and transfer of waste will take place entirely within the new building, eliminating the current open-air operation. This change directly addresses many of the concerns raised by residents, such as odours, litter, and other nuisances, which will be largely eliminated under the new plans.
Protesters were expressing their disapproval of the council’s waste transfer station on Henrietta Street
“The modernised facility is designed to exceed previous environmental and operational standards, ensuring effective waste management while minimising its impact on residents and the local environment. By containing operations indoors, the facility will also reduce noise and greatly improve the outlook for neighbouring properties.”
Answers to frequently asked questions about the Henrietta Street Waste Transfer Station can be found on Rossendale Council’s website: https://bit.ly/RBCFAQs