On Saturday 7th June I held a public meeting about the persistent, foul smells coming from the Biffa recycling plant in Mowmacre. The local Abbey Ward Councillors, representatives from the City Council, the Environment Agency and Biffa were also present.
Biffa explained that the particularly awful smells in recent weeks had been caused by several major breakdowns at the plant. I demanded that both Biffa and the Environment Agency ensure a proper plan is in place if any breakdowns like these happen again.
Local residents who attended the meeting rightly said that the general smells coming from the plant remain totally unacceptable. This issue has been going on for far too long and a permanent solution must be found.
I understand that a report has now been produced which shows a number of problems with the way the plant works. I have asked the Environment Agency and City Council to use all their powers to ensure Biffa tackles these problem once and for all so the people of Mowmacre can enjoy their lives and homes without have to worry about opening windows and doors to avoid the stench.
The Leicester Mercury also wrote an editorial on this issue, you can read it here.