THERE are calls for legislation to be altered so local authorities can act when waste disposal sites become a risk to public health.

Yesterday it was revealed Swindon Skips has had its licence suspended by the Environment Agency as, among other things, combustible waste has been piled too high.

However, the company has appealed the decision so until the Planning Inspectorate decides on the case no action can be taken and evidence will not be presented to them until mid-November.

It has left many people frustrated that, despite a clear risk from the site, everyone is powerless to take action.

The EA say the waste piles at the Cheney Manor site are too big and any fire could last for weeks, putting the adjacent rail lines and overhead power cables at risk.

The company was given deadlines to remedy the problems, which include adequate security against intruders, but due to the appeal they have not been met.

Mr Averies is the owner of Averies, in Greenbridge, where a large fire burned for two months over the summer.

Swindon Skips, owned by Lee Averies, is appealing against the enforcement notice on the grounds the timescales set did not provide enough time to comply with the notice, a problem exacerbated by a reduction in income because of the restrictions.

For eight weeks firefighters had to tackle the blaze while smoke poured over houses.

Frustration has been expressed that although a clear risk has been identified at the secdond site the council, police and fire service are are powerless to take any action.

Mark Dempsey, the Prospective Parliamentary Labour Candidate for North Swindon has been campaining for tough action to be taken against companies which flout safety regulations.

He said: “My view is that we should look again at the legislation to prevent companies like Averies allowing waste to build up to dangerous levels.

“It is of critical importance that the sites are properly regulated and there is strong enforcement so we don’t have another situation like we saw over the summer.

“We also need to ensure that these companies are fully insured so if there is a fire, money is set aside and the public are not left picking up the cost.”

Justin Tomlinson, the MP for North Swindon said: “It is clear we need stronger powers to act swiftly at a local level.

“I am due to meet with the Environment Agency to press this point further as it should not be the hard-working taxpayer who picks up the tab when things could easily have been prevented.”