Maidenhead & Windsor

The Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough is taking the lead in monitoring activities at a waste disposal site in Knowl Hill which is 'causing misery' to neighbouring residents.

Cllr Derek Wilson, lead member for Windsor and Maidenhead planning and housing, informed members at council last night (Tuesday) that a community liaison group co-ordinated by the Royal Borough has been established to monitor operations at Grundon Waste Management Star Works site in Star Lane.

Residents' concerns were highlighted in a petition presented to council by Cllr Maureen Hunt, ward councillor for Hurley and Walthams. Cllr Hunt told the meeting that Grundon hopes to increase operations at the site – and described the strong, unpleasant odours and constant noise from the Star Works site, which operates 24 hours a day and deals with clinical waste.

The site is located just inside the Wokingham Borough border, adjacent to houses in the Royal Borough.

Windsor and Maidenhead Cllr Wilson said later: "Royal Borough residents living close to the site have had their lives blighted by the continual noise and smells from the Star Works site and this is causing them real misery, to the extent that they can't even enjoy sitting in their own gardens.

"The council will do all in its power to ensure residents do not have to suffer as a result of the management of the site, especially in light of Grundon's current proposals to increase its capacity and operations."

The community liaison group comprises officers and members from the Royal Borough and Wokingham Borough Council, the Environment Agency (EA), the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), parish councils, residents association representatives and Grundon. The EA will act as the local enforcement agency and the HSE will inspect the site. An initial meeting was held on September 18.

The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead