Residents near Trecatti Tip have been compensated

Residents near the Trecatti landfill site, at Dowlais, near Merthyr Tydfil, have fought a long campaign over the effect they claim the tip has had on their quality of life.

More than 200 households will benefit from the payment, which is expected to be made by Biffa Waste Services, the company that has run the site since 1993.

The residents' campaign has been running for seven years, during which they have complained of fly infestation, foul smells, and increased dust in the air as a result of the tip.

It's altered our quality of life in the area and that's what we based our claim on Dowlais resident Bill Murphy

Claims for damages were submitted at the beginning of last year and an agreement is believed to have been reached.

Although the tip remains operating as normal, Biffa is believed to be paying out a total of around �1.5m on Tuesday to compensate residents for the effect the tip has had on their day-to-day life.

Dowlais resident Bill Murphy, who is also a member of campaign group the Merthyr and Rhymney Environment Action Committee, said the tip had affected his quality of life.

"Many days you can't go outside because of the smell," he said.

"We have flies in the house.

Quality of life

"It's altered our quality of life in the area and that's what we based our claim on."

Trecatti Tip, which is one of the largest landfill sites in Europe, is licensed to take difficult and hazardous waste.

Although some residents have complained about health problems, which they say are as a result of the tip, the compensation being paid is for the general effect on the residents' quality of life.

Mr Murphy added: "It (the tip) can take almost anything bar atomic waste.

"Whether it's made it worse or not, it is perceived to have made it worse.

"People are very afraid of what's gone in that tip.

"It's the fear of it that's worse and not knowing what's gone in there.

"We almost gave up (the campaign) but we had to keep on.

"To the residents, (the money) means a lot and will improve the quality of their life."