STOP THE STINK CAMPAIGNERS DITCH FIGHT OVER PROTEST BAN
Group reveals expensive court battle fears
CAMPAIGNERS stopped from protesting about the ‘stink’ at Walleys Quarry have given up their legal fight to overturn the ban.
The 26 members of the Stop the Stink group were barred from protesting outside the gates of the landfill site in Silverdale by a Manchester court last month.
They were also stopped from being outside the Newcastle HQ of Red Industries, who operate the site, and disrupting lorries at the landfill.
The temporary injunction – sought by the operators – was granted until a scheduled full hearing at the end of this month.
Now the 26 – who raised £10,644 in an online fundraising campaign for legal costs – have revealed they have decided not to contest the ruling.
They didn’t want to risk an expensive courtroom battle and have agreed to sign a consent order.
The group said in a statement: “The threat of this legal action caused much concern, leading to anxiety, and in the case of one defendant, a mental breakdown.
“Thankfully, we live in a strong community, and we were supported by barrister Mark Mcdonald of Furnival Chambers, free-of-charge.
“A Gofundme was created, in which £10,644 was raised from 560 generous members of the community.
“Additionally, there have been funds donated by the customers of The Holy Inadequate, The Freebird and Bridge Street Ale House. We are incredibly grateful to everyone for their support.”
The case is the latest twist in a longrunning battle over the smell.
Newcastle Borough Council received 22,239 complaints about it in 2021, while 43,262 were directed towards the Environment Agency.
The Stop the Stink group now has a pot of around £12,000, with £6,000 set aside to cover possible legal expenses.
They will use some of the remaining funds to produce a community newsletter to act as a rebuttal to the recent letter sent by Walleys Quarry Ltd to local residents.
Dr Mick Salt, one of the 26, said: “Since I had no intention of trespass, or interfering with access and egress to Walleys Quarry, a rapid conclusion frees up my time for more important matters.
“These matters include providing a witness statement and evidence to the upcoming judicial review.”
Fellow protester Simmo Burgess added: “I feel disappointed that we can not fight it all the way, but it’s a company with a lot of money.”
Dropping the fight and signing the consent order means there will be no costs or damages for the defendants.
A spokesperson for Walleys Quarry Ltd said: “We respect the right of individuals to protest and actively encourage engagement with the local community.
“However, it cannot be right that our employees – local people just trying to do their jobs – feel intimidated and sometimes frightened by the prospect of going to work.
“The obstructive and hostile actions of a small number of individuals has disrupted progress on the important measures we are taking to further reduce emissions at the site.
“This decision now means we can look forward to continuing to work to secure a clean, healthy and sustainable environment for the community, particularly given our employees can now come to work free of intimidation and aggression.”