Council to explores risks of historic landfill sites in Skegness

Environmentalist Luke Douglas-Home addressed the town council on Wednesday evening on what he refers to as ‘Britain’s toxic secret’.

Ahead of the meeting Luke, who is known as the Coastline Runner, told Lincolnshire World there are 20,000 historic landfill sites (HLS) across the UK that ‘pose an increased threat due to climate change, making them more vulnerable to releasing terrible toxins’.

"It must be mandatory that councils assess them – and Skegness Town Council is doing that,” he said.

"Skegness is leading the way on this.”

According to the Initial Site Risk and Responsibility Audit (ISRRA) report, there are five identified sites within the Skegness area– Festival Pavilion, South Bracing, Cow Bank Sewage Works, West Way and Old Brick Pits.

“The report that Luke has done identifies a number of old landfill sites in Skegness,” explained Town Clerk Steve Larner. “His report identifies the risks that these might pose now and in the future for example if there was flooding.

"We have no knowledge or expertise in this and council were unaware of the existence of such sites.

"As a result of this initial assessment of the risks and responsibilities, Skegness Town Council has decided to refer the report to East Lindsey District Council Environmental Health who have a duty, under the Environment Protection Act 1990, to undertake an assessment and determine how to move this forward.”

Skegness Town Council has appointed a councillor to represent the authority and to ensure ELDC give it their attention.

In response, Luke has agreed to assist and support the council in this process.

The development has been welcomed by the father of seven-year-old Zane Gbangbola, who died in the early hours of February 8 2014, during a catastrophic River Thames flooding at Chertsey in Surrey.

Floodwater passing through a nearby historic landfill site conducted hydrogen cyanide gas (HCN) into Zane’s home, where it was later detected at high levels by Surrey Fire and Rescue Services. Zane’s father, Kye, was left paralysed, with a medical diagnosis of HCN poisoning.

Kye commented: “Skegness Town Council seem appear really appreciative that Luke has made them aware of the existence of historic landfill sites (HLS) in their area "

“This is how responsible councils should behave. In the past local authorities had contaminated land teams and they need these restored.

"The ISSRA picks up the earlier part of this function. It appears voluntary, so teeth are needed to mandate action on those that are a risk to human health.”

Linconshire County Council told Lincolnshire Worldthe authority does have an definitive list of all former landfill sites.

A spokesperson said: “As a Minerals and Waste Planning Authority, we plan for future waste needs, provide a policy framework for delivery of waste management facilities, and safeguard existing and allocated waste sites (including existing landfill sites), but historic/former waste uses fall outside of our remit.”

Lincolnshire World has requested a comment from East Lindsey District Council on what action may be taken in light of Luke’s report but has not received a response at the time of going to press.