A WIDNES waste firm believed to have caused an infestation of flies has collapsed.

Centrol Recycling went into administration last week.

The company left more than 400 tonnes of mixed waste in its yard in Everite Road, Ditton.

The administrators now have responsibility for clearing the site.

Hundreds of residents have complained to Halton Council and the Environment Agency after their homes were plagued with flies.

Halton MP Derek Twigg said he has been inundated with people worried about the infestation.

He said: “It is appalling that this site continues to cause these problems.

“I have supported residents over the last few years in making representations to the Environment Agency about the operation of Centrol Recycling.

“I visited constituents to see the problem for myself.

“The situation is simply unacceptable.”

One woman said: “It is absolutely disgusting. I’m trying to keep all my food covered but there are so many flies, it’s impossible.

A pensioner said: “I’ve had terrible sickness and diarrhoea. I’m sure it is from these flies.”

Two qualified pest controllers are now spraying the site seven days a week.

Lorry loads carrying more than 150 tonnes of waste have been removed and a further 150 tonnes are still waiting to be cleared.

However, the administrators, SFP Restructuring Limited now need to see off assets to raise funds before they can clear any more waste.

Mr Twigg added: “I will keep in touch with the Environment Agency to ensure that the site continues to be sprayed on a daily basis and the waste removed as soon as possible.”

The Environment Agency has a regular presence on site and is continuing to monitor progress against the permit revocation notice, which requires that all mixed waste is removed off the site by May 20.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: “We will continue to put pressure of Centrol Recycling limited to take action to spray the waste on site. We will continue to monitor this.”

“The Environment Agency will continue to carry out regular, unannounced, and monitoring of the site and working together with Halton Council with regards to dealing with the site and the complaints from residents.

“Whilst we may not be able to respond to individual complaints as we are focussing our efforts on monitoring the situation.

“We want to assure all residents that all phone calls are logged and the information given to us is helping us in our investigations.”