Business as usual as manure lorries are back in action to the relief of Newmarket racehorse trainers

Newmarket trainers breathed a sigh of relief as manure removal services resumed after a fortnight in which muck heaps were left uncollected in their yards.

The problem began when West Row-based lorry operator Alwyn Moss, 75, whose firm had provided the service to trainers, studs and other equine sites in the area for the past 40 years, suddenly announced at the end of last month that his firm was closing.

Mr Moss cited a lack of good drivers able to manoeuvre the large lorries with lifting equipment around valuable and highly-strung racehorses and his own advancing years for his decision but said it was mostly because of difficulties with disposal.

“A lot of what we collected went to the Thetford EPR power station but it’s now nearly 30 years old and breaks down regularly which was a constant problem,” he said.

“Once the story became public news, my phone started ringing and I’m glad to say I have now found a buyer for my business and they have taken over existing operations straight away which is what I had hoped for,” said Mr Moss.

“I am very relieved to know that it’s all going forward,” he said.

The buyer is Envar Composting Ltd, which is based at Woodhurst, near St Ives, and is an organic waste and biomass recycling operator with 30 years’ experience, specialising in in the sustainable and cost-effective processing of waste.

The company’s head of commercial, Martin Graves, was enthusiastic about the the new acquisition.

“Organic waste management is our strength and we are pleased to offer the service back to the equine community and look forward to working together with them in the years to come,” said Mr Graves.

Customers could expect business as usual during the initial integration process with the transition designed to minimise disruption, he said.

“Alwyn Moss Ltd has been a formidable player in the composting landscape, renowned for its muck removal services in Newmarket, and Envar Composting Ltd is dedicated to maintaining the high standards of quality and service that both companies are known for,” said Mr Graves.