Story: Neill Schofield
Negotiations between Viridor and the City Council continue about how Viridor will restore the Parkwood Springs landfill site when it closes at the end of 2018.
Viridor have until the end of 2020 to restore the site to an agreed plan, although they will continue to own and manage the land indefinitely.
The Friends of Parkwood Springs understand that much of the plan is agreed but there are issues as to how footpaths will connect with the rest of Parkwood Springs and when the public will get access.
Viridor will generate electricity from the gas produced from the landfill for many years after the tip is closed. Viridor says it is concerned about health and safety and vandalism if the public are allowed onto the site prematurely.
Councillor Ibrar Hussain has asked for a special meeting of the Landfill Liaison Group in February, so that local residents on the Group can hear about the current position and give their views.
The Friends of Parkwood Springs, said,
“We understand that, even after the tip closes, it will need to be managed so that it is safe. But it covers an enormous area.It should be possible to maintain adequate security and yet allow access to the public in those areas where it is safe to do so.
“We have put up with the Landfill for long enough. We need to be able to see a time in the future when we will be able to enjoy the hillside and the views! We can't be expected to accept a blanket closing off of the whole landfill site closing off of the whole landfill site for ten years or more after it is closed.”