A second enforcement notice has been issued against Halstead’s controversial waste plant.

The Environment Agency took action against Tamar Energy’s plant in the Bluebridge Industrial Estate in July, after receiving more than 300 complaints from residents upset about odour and noise.

The plant was given 21 days to improve by the agency, but failed to do so.

But instead of issuing Tamar with a caution, bosses at the agency have withdrawn the notice and handed the firm a second one, giving them until November 9 to take action.

A spokesman said: “The caution applied to the first notice which has since been formally withdrawn.

“The company still has to comply with the new enforcement notice by November 9.

“Failure to comply with that notice is an offence.”

Jon Andrews, Halstead plant manager for Tamar Energy, said: “We are continuing to work closely with the Environment Agency to take action, and have agreed a programme with them to put a sophisticated long-term solution in place.

“We’re confident that these measures will work very effectively and while we do this, our plant continues to operate safely at all times.”