A LANDFILL site has been given a cleaner bill of health by environment watchdogs.

The Environment Agency told a meeting of the Pilsworth Landfill Site Liaison Group that complaint levels about the tipping operation had dropped sharply since November.

It was explained that this was the result of the improved gas collection system installed as part of Viridor Waste Management's on-going action plan to reduce and minimise the risk of odours from the site, close to the M66 at Bury.

Viridor has made substantial investment in new pipelines and gas wells in the waste mass at the site. These are connected to gas engines and flares which burn the methane and destroy the traces of gasses that have caused past odour problems.

Viridor also announced a new treatment plan for leachate. a liquid collected from the waste, which will help reduce risk of odour.

The company also plans to produce more "green energy" by harnessing the methane in the landfill to create extra electricity for the National Grid.

Viridor spokesman Dan Cooke said: "Viridor is pleased that the hard work and investment that has gone into eliminating the odours is now paying off.

"We will not rest on our laurels and will continue to ensure that any risk of recurring odour is minimised."