THE boss of a controversial recycling company claimed an Environment Agency official lied about problems at his firm after it was found guilty of breaching envi ronmental permit.

Armst rongs Environmental Services in Chorley New Road, Horwich, was also found guilty of failing to comply with an enforcement notice following a two day trial at Bolton Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard waste on Armstrongs land had not been correctly stored — and it could pollute water or cause a smell.

John McCar thy from the Environment Agency added the waste should have been kept in sealed containers or inside a building or bay.

The company said they had moved some of the waste to keep the peace, but claimed it was inert and not degradable.

Armstrongs pleaded not guilty to failing to comply with an enforcement notice and failing to comply with a condition on its Environmental Permit between November 2009 to the present date.

But District Judge Paul Carr said the area where waste was stored was not in his view a bay, and described it as a “very ad hoc measure of putting containers around a space”.

He found the company guilty of both counts after deliberating for two hours.

John Wallace, managing director of Armstrongs, said when giving evidence yesterday: “We are in a goldfish bowl, surrounded by residents who don’t want us in their back garden.

“We feel like we are being prodded all the time.”

Jennie Frie ze, prosecuting , replied: “Operators sometimes get it wrong. This is one occasion when Armstrongs got it wrong and that is why the Environment Agency is taking action.”

Mr Wallace said the company had been operating in that way for 14 years, and the issue had never been raised until Mr McCarthy took over the role in November 2009.

He also alleged Mr McCarthy had been lying about the smell, and claimed there was no odour.

The case has been adjourned for sentencing, with a date to be fixed.

After the case Mr McCarthy said: “Having regard to the number of complaints from members of the public about the smell coming from this site we are very pleased our efforts have resulted in a successful prosecution.

“We will be working with the company to try and ensure that from now on they company with their permit to avoid any future problems.”