Goods Yard Ruling Step In Right Direction - Teather

5.11.56pm GMT Fri 9th Mar 2007

Local MP Sarah Teather has pledged to continue fighting the pollution at Neasden Goods Yard

Brent's Liberal Democrat MP Sarah Teather has welcomed a ruling against Alloyde II, one of the largest contractors at Neasden Goods Yard. But the local MP also warned that the fight to improve the quality of life for local people must go on.

Sarah has fought a long battle to improve conditions for Neasden residents. She has previously written to ministers and convened meetings to encourage the Council and Environment Agency to work closer together. The issue has since moved up the agenda in Brent following the Liberal Democrat victory in May.

The new Council administration have been trying to force operators at the yard to clean up their act. One of the operators, Alloyde II, had their licence revoked after the council claimed the company were failing to comply with the Environment Agency's dust control measures. The firm were determined to have their license reinstated, and appealed the revocation.

Sarah Teather spoke at the subsequent hearing in Reading to express the strong concerns of local people. This week, Alloyde II's appeal was dismissed.

Sarah is now calling for the Environment Agency to properly enforce the ruling against Alloyde II, and for other contractors on the site to clean up their act.

Local Liberal Democrat MP for Brent East, Sarah Teather, said:

"I have campaigned consistently against the Goods Yard since I was first elected. It has been a long battle to get this far, and the fight is far from over.

"I was glad to represent local people at the appeal hearing, and residents will be relieved to hear that Alloyde's attempts to have their license reinstated have been unsuccessful. This is another small step forward. Now the Environment Agency must take action to enforce the ruling.

"Dealing with Alloyde was our first priority, but this ruling is a clear warning shot to other contractors that they must either clean up their act, or get out of Neasden.

"I will continue my work with Neasden residents on this issue. Local people have put up with dangerous levels of pollution for long enough."

Local Liberal Democrat Councillor for Dudden Hill, David Clues, said:

"This issue has been one of the new administration's top priorities.

"The problems caused by the goods yard have been a blight on our community for years. We have constantly campaigned on this issue and I am pleased to see the new Council administration taking the issue seriously.

"I will be working closely with the Environment Agency to ensure that this ruling is enforced. Local people in Neasden deserve to live their lives free from pollution levels regularly three times the European recommended limit."