East Surrey MP, Peter Ainsworth, has written to the Environment Agency’s Chief Executive, Paul Leinster, to ask what he is doing to protect the health of residents living near the Clayhall Lane waste site in Copthorne.

Whilst there has been long-standing concern about the negative health effects of dust from the site, residents are now worried about the possible use of SMR, a product which can turn inert waste into a usable building material, but which is also dangerous to human health if not used with the correct safety equipment.

Mr Ainsworth said:

“I have written to the Environment Agency to ask if SMR is being used at the Clayhall Lane site, and to find out what they are doing to protect local residents.

“SMR can be harmful to health and I want to be absolutely sure that people living in the nearby area are being properly protected.”