Local MP Ian Liddell-Grainger has this week pledged his support to residents in East Huntspill who are campaigning against a chicken farm’s odour problems.
During a visit on Monday (July 30th), Mr Liddell-Granger met nearby residents, an East Huntspill Parish Councillor and local business owners affected by the long-running odour problems and other issues at Newbridge Farm.
As first reported by Burnham-On-Sea.com last week, residents living near the farm in New Road, East Huntspill, say the pungent smells coming from the site have worsened – even though the number of birds has been reduced by the Environment Agency from 312,000 to 192,000.
Speaking to Burnham-On-Sea.com after the visit by the MP on Monday morning, resident Ian Stranbury said: “I presented him with a pack of key documents to provide context and background information; and as a group we talked through the key issues affecting everyone.”
“He went on to have private discussions with two local residents, both of whom also have tourist-related businesses that are being adversely impacted by the odour from, and visual impact of, the chicken farm.”
“The MP told us he would arrange a meeting with the South West Director of the Environment Agency, Nick Gupta, and his team, to discuss what the EA is doing about the odour emissions and what more it can do.”
“He said he would also contact the Leader of Sedgemoor District Council, Duncan McGinty, to discuss SDC’s handling of the planning applications relating to the site. He said he would look to hold a follow-up meeting with us afterwards.”
Pictured: The MP with local residens during Monday’s visit with Newbridge Farm in the background; and the MP hearing from 4 year old Elise Stanbury about how the bad smell from the chicken farm “stops me from playing on my swing in the garden.”
