Fiona Hall MEP

When faced with the prospect of 450,000 tonnes of waste a year being dumped close to their homes, families in Ryton, Gateshead, fearing health risks decided to petition the European Parliament.

The petition will be heard by the Petitions Commitee at the beginning of October where campaigners have been asked to submit more evidence about any health risks.

Speaking on this development, Fiona Hall Euro MP for Tyneside said:

"This is great news for the Pathhead campaign. Although the European Commission found that the Landfill permit was in order they are seeking more evidence of the health implications for local people. The hearing will give campaigners an opportunity to provide this evidence"

"Pathhead has been particularly successful because it has had a lot of local support. But anybody, whether in a group, or individually has the right to petition the European Parliament. I am happy to offer advice to anyone wanting to raise an issue."

Path Head - the story so far:

1989 Gateshead Council grants planning permission to dump at the former opencast site for restoration by landfill.

1995 Sita acquires the quarry when it buys the Tyne Waste business

June 2003 Sita's proposals for Path Head go before Gateshead Council

July 2004 Tip is approved by council

August 2005 Campaigners ask Tony Blair to champion their case

September 2005 The Environment Agency grants Sita a permit to tip at Path Head

December 2005 Residents Against Rubbish submit a petition to the European Parliament

June 2006 The petition passed to the European Commission for further investigation

September 2006 A date is set for the petition to be heard in the European Parliament

Recent up date from The Journal

PROGRESS ON THE PATH HEAD PETITION