A CONTROVERSIAL landfill site will be re-opened despite promises it would be closed ‘forever’.

Gates to Viridor’s Heathfield Landfill site in Kingsteignton closed two years ago because it was no longer needed as two incinerators were opened in Exeter and Plymouth and recycling was on the increase.

However, this week officers and councillors at Devon County Council made a ‘backward’ decision to re-open the contentious site at John Acres Lane.

Objectors now fear the grand reopening will see awful odours beset nearby residents and lead to an increase in rats and seagulls.

News of the move failed to impress Newton Abbot’s county members Jackie and Gordon Hook, who believe residents have been ‘badly let down.’

Cllr Jackie Hook was one of just two members who voted against the reopening at Wednesday afternoon’s meeting.

She thundered: ‘It is just not good enough, the landfill site was supposed to be closed forever.

‘It is annoying because we were told we didn’t need landfill as we had opened two incinerators and everyone would be recycling.’

Her colleague Cllr Gordon Hook complained: ‘This is a backward step and a sad day for the environment.

‘It is against the wishes of large numbers of local residents, who now anticipate a return to increased litter, smells and a proliferation of seagulls.

‘Meanwhile the environment will continue to be polluted with man’s rubbish.’

Disgruntled district member Richard Keeling had also been lobbying for the site to remain closed.

The Teignbridge Council vice-chairman said: ‘It is a blow to local residents to again face the environmental damage this will inevitably cause.

‘Seasonal smells will be noted but perhaps even more significant will be the environmental damage caused as materials that should be recycled are buried.

‘Shame on our County Council for approving this decision.’

No exact date of the reopening was revealed this week, but it is expected to be in the new year when the landfill site at Tiverton closes.