Councillors who have spent years battling a controversial Hartlepool landfill site say they are "elated" after the Environment Agency suspended its ability to accept any more waste.

Campaigning councillors and residents, who have complained for years about smells and dust from Seaton Meadows landfill, have welcomed the move, with one describing the decision as "the best news we've had in the last two years."

The Environment Agency (EA) has served a suspension notice on operator SMLF Ltd, preventing any new waste from being brought on to the site until it complies with the tipping levels set out in its environmental permit.

It is allowed to process existing material.

Cllrs Leisa Smith (left) and Sue Little, with the Seaton Meadows landfill site behind them.

placeholder image — Cllrs Leisa Smith (left) and Sue Little, with the Seaton Meadows landfill site behind them.

The news has been welcomed by Seaton councillors Leisa Smith and Sue Little who, together with residents, have complained about the site for a number of years.

Cllr Smith said: “We are over the moon. It has been an absolute headache for as many years as I’ve been a councillor.

“The smells are ridiculous. In the summer, and even in the winter, there are areas of Seaton that can’t open their windows.”

She said homes and vehicles were also affected by dust from the site.

Seaton Meadows Landfill site at Brenda Road.

“As residents we shouldn’t have to put up with that,” she added.

Cllr Little added: “People will still see rubbish getting moved around on site to make it all one height, but this is the best news we’ve had in the last two years.”

The notice requires the operator to comply with the agreed tipping levels in its environmental permit.

Gary Wallace, area environment manager for the EA, said: “We understand the community concerns about this site and we’ve taken decisive action to suspend the permit to prevent any more waste from being deposited.

“We are committed to ensuring this landfill is completed appropriately and safely, and we will take further action if necessary to ensure this happens.”

Cllr Smith added there were plans to form a community group to prevent further such facilities around Seaton.

The suspension notice lasts until January 9 and SMLF Ltd has two months to appeal the decision.

Residents can report any fresh activity at the site on 0800 807060.

The Mail has contacted SMLF for comment.