Relief as smells on the way out at Stafford Castle Golf Club
Campaigners today spoke of their relief after environment bosses took action to stop sewage sludge being spread on the site where a golf course extension is being created - and said they hoped 18 months of 'horrific' smells would finally come to an end.
The Environment Agency was flooded with complaints from residents about a manure-like smell coming from the work at Stafford Castle Golf Club.
Residents said they had been forced to keep their windows closed over the last 18 months.
Now they have welcomed action being taken by the agency.
Neil Ashton, from nearby Delamere Lane, set up a Facebook page, called STOP the smell coming from Stafford Castle Golf Club construction Site, which has been 'liked' by more than 480 people.
The 42-year-old father-of-two said: "The smells have been horrific. We have had to have our windows closed and we can't put our washing out.
"There has been a smell lingering for about 18 months but it got a lot worse in the last week. I decided to set up the Facebook page which has had a lot of support.
"We're glad that the Environment Agency has stepped in."
The Environment Agency said they had received complaints on Monday last week (28) and had asked the contractors to stop spreading sewage, which is understood was done to enhance the soil.
The golf club transferred ownership to Luddington Developments five years ago.
The first phase of the work has included spreading inert material.
Phase two will be the actual creation, modelling and landscaping of the 18 holes, along with a new club house and driving range.
Level Contracting Services has been doing the spreading work on behalf of 4 Recycling Group, which specialises in recycling by-products from industry and utility companies to agricultural land and restoration sites.
Environment Agency spokesman Alex Buxton said: "The contractors responsible for constructing new parts to the golf course have now covered the sewage sludge that has been spread to reduce odours coming from the site.
"The contractors were able to carry out the spreading activity under the permission granted to 4Recycling for appropriate material to be spread on the site to improve soil conditions.
"The permission was subject to a number of conditions including a requirement to take appropriate measures to prevent odour emissions being caused offsite."
He said the permission expired on Wednesday and a request to extend it was refused, adding: "Currently no sewage sludge can legally be spread on this site."
He said that Luddington Golf Ltd also holds a permit which allows appropriate wastes to be used to construct parts of the golf course but an enforcement notice was served on the company last year to stop receiving inappropriate wastes and to remove specified wastes already deposited.
The notice was appealed and the planning inspector is considering the case.
