Controversial landfill site reopened

A landfill site that was closed after residents complained that the area had become infested with flies has reopened.

The Environment and Heritage Service (EHS) decided to close the controversial Mullaghglass site on Tuesday night after an inspection took place.

However, the EHS has now said they are satisfied the fly problem is now under control.

An EHS spokesman said the fly population was seen to have increased, however it was “nowhere near infestation levels”.

“The site was closed as a precautionary measure to enable spraying and covering with soil,” he said.

Local resident Richard Belshaw said the problem was ongoing.

“You can’t open your windows, you can’t open your doors," Mr Belshaw said.

“Even when you’re in bed at night flies are walking over you in bed no matter how much you spray your house with flykiller.”

Another resident, Margaret McCroskery, said the campaign to get the site shut down permanently would continue.

“My quality of life has just been destroyed by the application for this landfill site beside our homes. It is too close,” she said.

(JM/SP)