ODOUR improvement works at a controversial landfill operation could provide a breath of fresh air for people living in Great Sankey and Penketh.

Works totalling £242,000 are due to start at the huge Gatewarth site after a bid to control gas emissions was submitted to the Government by Town Hall bosses.

The remedial scheme should come as welcome news to neighbours - who have long complained of strange smells and fly infestations, especially during the hot summer months.

It comes as the result of a supplementary credit approval scheme rubber-stamped by the Department of the Environment which deals specifically with contaminated areas of land such as the borough council-owned site.

Environmental officer Phil Woods said in a council report: "The remedial works are considered essential to minimise risk and potential liabilities associated with the landfill site and to comply with regulatory requirements.

"The approval will fund continuous monitoring for sulphur dioxide on a mobile air quality laboratory, to add to existing monitors for nitrogen dioxide and fine particles."

It is hoped that drainage channels and pumping facilities will control contaminated water outbreaks, with depressions filled in to reduce the risk of ponds forming. The nearby River Mersey banks will be reinforced.

Another £23,000 is being used to beef up security to areas where landfill gas is generated.

The third phase will see improvements to reed beds on-site, again tackling potential water problems.

Mr Woods added: "The approval also provides for improved air quality modelling, which will be used in conjunction with information generated by the Transport Study, which is currently under way."

The sulphur dioxide monitor proposed will cost £8,700 and a similar amount will be spent on assessment work in partnership with partners representing councils across Greater Manchester.

Detailed plans must be approved by the Environment Agency after talks with their experts.

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