Sarah Gibson Raises Stink in Parliament

Sarah Gibson, Member of Parliament for Chippenham, has today lobbied the Prime Minister to take immediate action over the ongoing odour and air quality crisis affecting residents in Calne.

During Prime Ministers Questions this morning, the Liberal Democrat MP directly challenged the Prime Minister on what steps the Government is taking to ensure residents’ health is not being put at risk by emissions from the Lower Compton landfill site operated by Hills Waste.

Her intervention follows a surge in complaints, with more than 1,000 reports in a single week about foul smells described as “eggy”, “gassy”, and “sulphurous” coming from the site.

Sarah Gibson has challenged the Government directly, warning that its response so far is “simply not good enough” and calling for urgent, meaningful action to protect residents.

In recent weeks, she has:

• Questioned the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) on the cause of the odour and the steps being taken to address it
• Raised the issue directly with the Prime Minister at PMQs
• Visited the site herself to witness the impact first-hand
• Held direct discussions with Hills Waste and the Environment Agency
• Written formally to the Secretary of State demanding urgent intervention

In her letter sent today, Sarah Gibson called for comprehensive, localised air quality testing in and around Calne, including monitoring for gases such as hydrogen sulphide and other sulphurous compounds that are not routinely measured despite concerns about their health impacts.

She also urged the Government to ensure the Environment Agency strengthens its monitoring, enforcement, and transparency, and works closely with local authorities to assess potential health risks to residents.

Sarah Gibson MP said:
“Having visited the site myself, I have seen and experienced the impact first-hand. That is why I have raised this at the highest levels, including with the Prime Minister, and why I have written to demand immediate, localised air quality testing and stronger enforcement.

“I have been clear with Ministers that the response so far is simply not good enough. Warm words alone do nothing, residents deserve proper answers and urgent action.

“This has gone on for far too long. It cannot be another summer of uncertainty and disruption for residents. I will continue working with all parties to ensure this issue is resolved as a matter of urgency.”

While Hills Waste has now published a new plan to mitigate odours, including covering active landfill areas, increasing odour-neutralising measures, and accelerating capping and gas extraction works, Sarah Gibson has made clear she will be holding both the operator and regulators to account to ensure these measures deliver real improvements.