A major milestone in the clean-up of the most polluted site in Western Europe was reached recently when the specially designed plant for removing toxic waste was switched off for the last time.

The Thermal Desorption Unit (TDU) which uses extreme heat has made over 402,000 tonnes of the most polluted wastes safe and is now being dismantled before starting work in the Netherlands. Work will continue on making the less polluted parts of the site completely safe by composting the soils to allow naturally occurring bacteria make them safe.

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Rob Pearson, Head of Area at the Homes and Communities Agency said: "The closure of the TDU is fantastic since it now allows us to concentrate on the future by providing homes and jobs for local people on the site. We have recently obtained extra funding to deliver junction improvement on the A61 to support the plans for 469 new homes."

Natascha Engel MP for North East Derbyshire said: "The Avenue Project reached a milestone when the Thermal Treatment Plant was turned off recently. The clean-up process, taking one of the most polluted pieces of land in Europe to one which will now see new development is absolutely amazing. The Team who have managed the site, along with North East Derbyshire District Council have done an excellent job. The future now certainly looks brighter for the Avenue."

(CD/MH)