THE problems continue to pile up for the owner of Averies and Swindon Skips after the Environment Agency announced it would be revoking the environmental permits at both sites.

It appears the government agency has said enough is enough after public safety was repeatedly put at risk by both companies, owned by Lee Averies.

Swindon Skips, at Cheney Manor, and Averies Recycling, at Marshgate, have been the source of much controversy following large fires at both sites within the past year.

Huge piles of waste caught fire, which in the case of Averies lasted for eight weeks this summer.

This resulted in large amounts of smoke pouring across residential areas and calls for immediate action to be taken.

It was also revealed last month that Swindon Skips, which had a major fire last November, had been ordered to move large piles of rubbish as they were at risk of catching alight again.

The EA has now said all the rubbish at both sites must be gone and no more can be brought on to either of the sites. The order will come into effect on December 11, meaning all waste must be gone from the Marshgate site by April 15 next year, while Swindon Skips must have everything cleared by March 4.

Failure to comply with these dates could result in prosecution for Mr Averies.

Environment manager Colin Chiverton, of the EA, said: “We understand the frustration of local residents and businesses and we have been working hard to bring both sites back into compliance.

“It is always our aim to get site operators to run their sites properly and it is our role to give operators the opportunity to come into compliance.

“This has not happened which is why we have now issued revocation notices for both permits.

“Businesses have a duty of care on waste they produce and must ensure that when they arrange for waste to be collected they use a waste carrier who is registered and that waste is being taken to a legitimate site.”

Mr Averies has until December 12 to appeal this decision so the dates set by the EA order may be moved if he does.

The Environment Agency has also refused to renew the registration of Averies Recycling (Swindon) Ltd as a waste carrier. This means Averies can no longer transport waste in the name of Averies Recycling (Swindon) Ltd.

Despite several attempts, the Adver was unable to contact Mr Averies.