Foul odors in Merseyside cause school closures

Residents in a Merseyside area are facing serious health issues due to a foul smell that has been described as toxic. This situation has led to school closures and prompted local leaders to demand urgent action. The foul odor reportedly emanates from a waste mound at the Simonswood Industrial Estate, causing residents in Kirkby to complain for several years. Local resident Eleanor Claire Rigby described the smell as "disgusting" and likened it to rotten eggs. She said the odor is so strong that it can infiltrate homes, even with windows closed. Another resident, Chris Houghton, expressed that the odor has made it impossible to enjoy the outdoors, saying it causes sickness in children. The Environment Agency has received numerous complaints regarding the issue. They recently issued an enforcement notice to Windmill Services Ltd for storing excess waste at the site. The situation is complicated by jurisdictional issues, as the industrial estate lies in West Lancashire but affects many residents in Knowsley. Knowsley Council leader Graham Morgan acknowledged the ongoing problems in a recent council meeting. He stated that residents have suffered due to the overwhelming smell and outlined his frustration with the lack of effective regulation of the waste management companies. Morgan emphasized that the issues have worsened over the years despite the council's efforts to seek help from regulating authorities. In response to the situation, Morgan and new chief executive James Duncan plan to visit Parliament next week to discuss the matter with key ministers. They also intend to meet with the Environment Agency and Lancashire County Council to seek solutions. The local authority will encourage residents to report their concerns and plans to launch a petition demanding action from the regulators of the site.