ENOUGH IS ENOUGH – TAKE ACTION AGAINST THE RENEWI MANVERS SITE

We, the undersigned residents of Rotherham, Manvers, Wath-upon-Dearne, Swinton, Mexborough, Bolton-upon-Dearne, Goldthorpe, Thurnscoe and surrounding communities, are calling for urgent action regarding the ongoing issues associated with the Renewi waste treatment facility at Manvers.

For years, local people have complained about strong and unpleasant odours believed to be coming from the site. Residents have repeatedly reported being unable to enjoy their homes and gardens because of the smell. Families have been forced to keep windows and doors closed, even during warm weather, while others have spoken of being woken during the night or finding the smell so overpowering that it affects their day-to-day lives.

Many local people also believe there has been a significant increase in the number of flies and other vermin in surrounding residential areas. Residents have reported flies entering homes in large numbers, gathering around windows and doors, and becoming a constant nuisance throughout the day. Some residents have spent money on fly traps, sprays and pest control measures simply to make their homes bearable.

People should not have to live like this.

We understand that waste management facilities have an important role to play in modern society. However, that role should never come at the expense of local communities. No company should be allowed to operate in a way that causes persistent nuisance, distress or disruption to the lives of thousands of nearby residents.

Local people deserve to be able to:

Open their windows without being hit by unpleasant odours.

Sit in their gardens and enjoy the summer months.

Allow their children to play outside without being surrounded by flies.

Dry washing outdoors without concerns about smells or pests.

Enjoy a reasonable quality of life in their own homes.

Residents have raised concerns time and time again, yet many feel that their voices are not being heard. While complaints continue to be made, people are becoming increasingly frustrated by what they see as a lack of meaningful action and long-term solutions.

This petition is not about causing problems for workers employed at the site. It is about standing up for local communities and demanding that residents’ concerns are taken seriously.

We therefore call upon the Environment Agency, Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council, local MPs, local councillors and all relevant authorities to:

1. Launch a full independent investigation into odour complaints and reported fly infestations linked to the Renewi Manvers site.

2. Carry out increased monitoring of air quality, odours and pest activity in surrounding residential areas.

3. Publish all findings openly and transparently so local people can see what action is being taken.

4. Review the environmental permits and operating conditions under which the facility currently operates.

5. Take immediate enforcement action if any breaches of environmental regulations or permit conditions are identified.

6. Require Renewi to invest in additional controls and improvements to prevent smells and pests from affecting nearby communities.

7. Consider suspending or closing operations if the company cannot operate without causing ongoing nuisance to residents.

This issue affects not just one street or one neighbourhood, but communities across the Dearne Valley and wider Rotherham area. Thousands of people deserve to live in clean, safe and pleasant surroundings without having to tolerate persistent odours or excessive numbers of flies.

The message from local residents is simple

We are tired of the smell. We are tired of the flies. We are tired of being ignored.

Our communities deserve better.

Sign this petition today and help us demand action for the people of Rotherham.