Home / Environment / Council Pursues £132k Debt from Collapsed Landfill Firm
Council Pursues £132k Debt from Collapsed Landfill Firm
13 Mar
Summary
- Landfill owner still owes council £132,000 over a year after collapse.
- Company Walleys Quarry Ltd liquidated in February 2025.
- Debt includes £102,000 in legal fees from settlement.
Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council is still seeking to recover £132,097 from Walleys Quarry Ltd (WQL), over a year after the company went into liquidation. WQL, which operated a controversial landfill site in Silverdale, Staffordshire, collapsed in February 2025. This followed a closure notice issued by the Environment Agency in November 2024, which cited years of resident complaints about foul smells and health concerns.
The significant debt owed to the council includes £102,000 in legal fees, agreed through a mediated settlement concerning an abatement notice, alongside unpaid business rates. Councillors have expressed concern that the debt might be overlooked during the liquidation process.
Council officials confirmed they are in contact with the liquidators to pursue the outstanding funds, acknowledging they are one of many creditors. The joint-liquidators stated they had disclaimed the company's interests and made all nine employees redundant. They are working with relevant authorities to manage the site's transition.
