Deadline on Brierley Hill waste mound
A waste management firm has been given seven more months to clear a rubbish mound from its site in Brierley Hill following a ruling by the High Court.
Refuse Derived Fuel Ltd must clear all rubbish and baled waste from its Moor Street base, by July 10.
The pile of waste was as high as 40ft in August last year, with nearby residents claiming it blighted the area as it overlooked their homes. It has now been reduced to around 23ft.
Under the ruling, the front of the site must be cleared of rubbish by March 29. There has to then be a full clearance by the July date. At the High Court hearing in Birmingham yesterday, Mrs Justice Swift issued the order, which was drawn up by the Environment Agency.
Speaking to Dan White, who represents the company and director Robert McNaughton, she said the firm must take every effort to comply with the order.
She added: "This does seem to be a sensible move forward, providing people understand it is not a delay, but for full progression to be made."
Under the order, the company must also keep the Environment Agency up to date on a weekly basis on the amount of waste going in and out of the site.
Mr Nick Cole, representing the Environment Agency, said an application could be made to extend the time limit because of bad weather in the coming months.
A further hearing will be held at the High Court on July 15 to review progress made and to consider court costs.
Environment Agency bosses said they were pleased the injunction had been granted.
