A LANDFILL operation which caused misery for residents in North Swindon has been closed down.

The site, at Chapel Farm, near Blunsdon, was found to be the source of a noxious pong which was detected from Oakhurst to High-worth.

Now, Hills Waste, which operates the site, has said it has reached the end of its lifetime and will seek to return it to a natural state.

Waste from across the town was put in the fill and gas created was harnessed for energy.

However, the gas would often escape, much to the irritation of locals.

Hundreds of complaints were received by the Environment Agency who temporarily closed the landfill earlier this year so the problem could be fixed.

This move reduced the smell but hopes are high that finally the smell will be entirely removed after the closure.

Capping work has now begun and should take approximately three months before the land will gradually be returned to a natural state, although it will be closely monitored for the next 60 years.

Hills is working with several local organisations to ensure nature can thrive at the site.

A spokeswoman said: “While most of the site will be returned to agricultural pastures for grazing, work has already started on restoring a substantial section of the site in such a way to be attractive to bees and other small wildlife. “Hills are also in discussion with a local beekeeping association and a cider and perry company who have both expressed an interest in the future use of sections of the restored site. “The new habitats being created will ultimately become part of a wildlife corridor being created across North Swindon in partnership with the Wiltshire Wildlife Trust.

“This will create a positive long-term improvement for the area.”

Local Councillors Emma Faramarzi and Toby Elliott (both Con, Priory Vale) have held regular meetings with Hills to find solutions to the problem pong and will continue to meet to stay updated on the progress of the restoration.

Coun Faramarzi said: “It has taken a lot of effort but hopefully this is the end. I am most pleased for the residents who have had to suffer.

“I think one of the problems was after they did work in the summer they were still putting waste down, disturbing what was already there and this created the smell.

“I’m glad the site is closed but if the smell comes back then we will be back on to them.

“I really like the plans to put the area back for wildlife and will create a nice space in the area.”

The council has also identified part of the Chapel Farm site as the location for a solar farm, as part of their strategy to increase renewable energy in Swindon.