Fight stepped up against plans to reopen tip

Martin Hague was campaigning as the Conservative candidate in a poll to become a member of Bradfield Parish Council, near Sheffield, eight years ago. He was quoted in an election leaflet, saying: “I think rural areas like ours need more support and I hope to be able to give my help to people by working hard on their behalf. “I see the Conservatives as the only party that truly supports rural communities.” Now Grange Landfill Ltd, of which Mr Hague is a director, has been granted a permit to dump 205,000 tonnes of waste a year by reopening the Droppingwell tip. It comes 24 years after a public inquiry ruled that the land should be left to nature - although protesters noted at the time that the fight might not be over. One resident, who asked not to be named, said this week: “Well, Mr Hague certainly isn’t interested in saving the rural community for the residents of the Droppingwell area.” Rotherham MP Sarah Champion said she was firmly of the view that the site should stay closed. She added: “It is wholly unsuitable for a tip. It is right next to a golf course and Millmoor Juniors Football Club, with hundreds of houses close by. “The variation to the permit was issued with no consultation, which I raised with the Environment Agency. “Unfortunately, they made clear that they are not obliged to consult with residents.” Ms Champion has urged Rotherham Borough Council to explore all possible options to block the plans. The Advertiser revealed in February 1990 that asbestos - including the most dangerous type, crocidolite - had been dumped during 16 licensing breaches in the 80s. Planning permission for the landfill dating back to 1958 had also been violated, this paper’s article added. In 1992, after a “David and Goliath” victory over Wimpey Waste Management, campaigners against the tip said inquiry officials had “left the back door open”. Environment department inspector Brian Dodd said the benefits of the landfill could “outweigh the harm” if stringent modern controls were in place. Peter Bowler, who represented Grange Park Action Group, said at the time: “It’s always possible that the tip owners could come forward with an alternative application. We have won the battle, but not the war.” A change.org petition against the tip had reached 1,333 signatures yesterday. Mr Hague, who lost the 2008 parish election to Lib Dem Karen Southwood, did not respond to the Advertiser’s request for a comment.