‘RESPECT RIGHT OF OUR STAFF’
Warning as quarry lawyers send letters to protesters
LAWYERS representing Walleys Quarry have sent letters to campaigners planning on holding another protest against the smell emanating from the site.
The controversial Silverdale landfill instructed its legal team to remind people set to take part in tomorrow’s day of action of their ‘responsibilities under the law’.
This includes not intimidating workers or hindering the business.
It comes after Staffordshire Police have previously warned protesters they face arrest if they don’t disperse when instructed.
A Walleys Quarry spokesman said: “Naturally, we respect individuals rights to protest peacefully. However, no-one should have the right to intimidate staff or managers, prevent our workforce from carrying out their jobs or attempt to hinder or close down our business.
“Our lawyers have simply reminded potential protestors of their responsibilities under the law, and of the rights of our business and our staff, towards whom we have a duty of care.
“Walleys Quarry Ltd operates under strict regulatory and legal guidelines, that are enforceable by law.
“We expect those who are seeking to disrupt the operation of Walleys Quarry to respect the right of our staff to go about their jobs peaceably and without fear of reprisals.”
One protester told how a white van has been delivering the packages around the Silverdale area today.
In September, the High Court ruled that the Environment Agency had to do more to reduce hydrogen sulphide emissions from the landfill, following legal action taken on behalf of Rebecca Currie’s five-year-old son Mathew Richards.
The EA is appealing the decision.