OPERATIONS are set to be monitored at a controversial waste hub in Middlewich.

A statement from the office of the Traffic Commissioner for north west England has confirmed it is prepared to grant an interim licence on Ansa Environmental Services’ HGV operations in Cledford Lane.

This would approve the opening of the waste hub for one month so that the impact on the environment can be assessed prior to a public inquiry.

Cllr David Latham said: “In my opinion, for us to be at this stage indicates that the Traffic Commissioner is not happy with the evidence that has been supplied.

“They want concrete evidence before making a decision but it is not out of the ordinary to give an interim licence.

“This is positive news for residents because it shows that this case is being taken very seriously.

“We’ve stuck by our figures all along. They have been knocked back by Cheshire East Council and ridiculed from day one. Now it’s time to see what another body thinks of the site.”

A spokesperson for the office of the Traffic Commissioner said: “At this present time there is no interim licence in force but the Traffic Commissioner is prepared to grant one.

“This would allow residents who have made valid representations to consider the environmental impact of actual operations from the site during a restricted pre-hearing period.

“The granting of an interim licence does not mean that a traffic commissioner is prevented from considering subsequent action in respect of a full application.”

Ansa wants to process waste from across the borough but a date has not yet been set for the opening of the site.

Following complaints from residents about the possible environmental impact on the area, it was announced in April that a public inquiry will take place one month after the site opens.