By Rowan Archibald and Roxane Petrou
An illegal waste dump just off the M57 in Kirkby must be removed urgently for the sake of residents’ health, local independent politicians have said.
Brian Johns, independent councillor for Whitefield Ward, and David Hitchmough, independent candidate for Cherryfield Ward, voiced concerns for their respective communities.
Mr Johns said: “Its urgent that it be removed.”
The estimated 30,000 tonne illegal dump, discovered in early February, is only the latest of environmental issues that the Knowsley area has faced.
Mr Johns claimed: “If it was anywhere else, we would of had a lot more support on either of the three tips we’ve got here.
“Its not acceptable.”
Kirkby and it surrounding areas have faced a series of environmental problems since the new year, including smells from mounting rubbish on the Simonswood industrial estate and the recent proposal to build over 800 houses on contaminated land near Cherryfield Drive.
Mr Hitchmough voiced his concerns for the health of his community, saying: “Kirkby has one of the worst rates of chest complaints and respiratory issues in the country.”
Referring to the waste dump, he added: “This is another potential risk to Kirkby resident’s health.”
The site has also caused environmental damage, prompting concerns over what the community may face come the summer time, if the waste is not cleared.
