Residents want 'peace and quiet' from Stockton Heath tip

The Brindley Court residents are tired of the noise, traffic, smell and rat problems that Stockton Heath community recycling centre brings.

They understand that they are ‘outnumbered’ and that the tip cannot be closed, but they hope that something can be done to prevent the ongoing problems which are impacting their living conditions.

Although the tip does not open till 10am on weekdays, the residents claim work men are there from 7am creating ‘unnecessary noise’ by hoovering dust and beeping their horns.

One resident, Cathy Clements, claimed that she wishes she could get more sleep after being woken up at 7am every morning as her kitchen, living room and bedroom back on to the tip.

She also told the Warrington Guardian how she is often unable to open her windows due to the stench from the tip.

Another resident claimed that the tip is disruptive and it prevents him from relaxing and resting in his living room which backs on the tip.

Some of the residents at the London Road property believe that more should be done to prevent the unpleasant conditions, such as planting greenery, not only to act as a sound barrier but also to hide the landfill bins.

Stockton Heath tip

Some have also suggested cushioning in the bottom of the bins to prevent unnecessary ‘metallic’ noise as items are thrown into the tip.

Irene Morrison, who has been a Brindley Court resident for 10 years, said: ‘‘Warrington Borough Council need to consider residents’ homes.

‘‘Show me another tip in Warrington where there is a bedroom and lounge window ten feet away.

‘‘Sunday mornings are horrendous – Sunday’s are relaxing, but not if you live in Brindley Court.

‘‘All we are saying is we need some peace and quiet – that’s what you try and do in your retirement.’’

Irene also claimed that the building ‘shudders’ whenever tankers enter the tip on Sandy Lane.

Residents are frustrated as although they understand they alone cannot close the tip, they claim there is no other tip in Warrington which is near homes or property.

The residents with the help of the homes’ management team have complied petitions and noise surveys to present to the council and some have even been to the town hall for meetings, however they claim nothing has been done.

A Warrington Borough Council spokesperson said: “When containers are exchanged at Stockton Heath, the site has to be closed to the public.

‘‘If a container is close to capacity at close of play the previous day, exchanges can be carried out prior to the site opening the following day to avoid having to close the site during opening hours.

“We always try to keep disruption and noise to an absolute minimum.

‘‘In June, 54 exchanges were made, with five exchanges taking place before 8.30am.

‘‘We are not aware of any complaints being raised regarding noise at the recycling centre, but we will continue to monitor noise and activity in and around the site.’’

The council announced earlier this month that Stockton Heath tip will not be closing and will be under a new contract period for an initial six years.

Cllr Judith Wheeler claimed that while herself and Cllr Peter Walker are ‘delighted’ that a recycling centre is kept in south Warrington, they remain committed to asking Warrington Borough Council to find a fit for purpose site away from residential properties.

Cllr Wheeler said: ‘‘We are aware that local residents suffer from significant noise and traffic issues which have increased over time as Sandy Lane Recycling Centre has become much busier.

‘‘We will work with Warrington Borough Council and local residents to reduce the impact of the operation of Sandy Lane on those residents.’’