A public meeting held on Wednesday, 11th June, saw a large turnout of concerned residents eager to address the ongoing odour problems plaguing the town.
Organised by Councillor Sam Pearce-Kearney and hosted by the Town Council, the meeting provided a vital platform for residents to voice their anxieties and hear directly from The Hills Group, Wiltshire Council, and the Environment Agency.
Reverend Caspar Bush chaired the meeting, which offered valuable insights into the complex issue.
Representatives from The Hills Group, responsible for the local landfill, explained the science of waste management and their ongoing efforts to mitigate the odours. While acknowledging some responsibility and detailing efforts to contain landfill gases, they admitted uncertainty regarding the dramatic intensification of the smell over the past six months, despite no significant operational changes. They pledged to continue their investigation.
Wiltshire Council outlined their investigative actions, and the Environment Agency presented data on the number of odour reports received each month, emphasising the importance of resident reporting.
A crucial element of the meeting was the opportunity for residents to directly question the representatives and share their experiences.
The Hills Group announced their commitment to capping landfill cells by the end of July, a measure they believe will "significantly alleviate" the odour problems currently affecting Calne. Residents are strongly encouraged to continue reporting any odours they experience to the Environment Agency via their online portal: https://www.gov.uk/report-smell. These reports are vital for ongoing monitoring and investigation efforts.
A follow-up meeting has been scheduled for August to review progress and address any remaining concerns.
Want to know what’s on in Calne? Visit our local events page for listings and to find out how to add your own events for free. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news. Have you got a story for us? Email editor@calnenews.com.
