Environment Agency action sees two men arrested and bailed on suspicion of waste offences at a farm near Middlewich, Cheshire.
An investigation by the Environment Agency and Cheshire Police into large-scale illegal waste dumping at a farm in Cheshire has resulted in two arrests. On August 7, a 69 year-old man was arrested on suspicion of waste offences. Another, 37 year-old man was arrested three days later. Both have now been bailed, pending further investigation.
The agricultural land at a farm on Coal Pitt Lane near Middlewich is next to the River Wheelock. Here, a great quantity of material had been dumped, including green garden waste, construction waste, plastics, tyres, shredded waste and mixed household waste.
The Environment Agency says the reasons people dump waste like this can vary, from rogue traders who collect waste legally but dump it to avoid fees, to organised groups often connected to other criminal activities.
Cases of large-scale dumping like this have made headlines in recent months, but the Environment Agency is determined to take swift action. In March, it published a 10-point plan for tackling waste crime. That included faster intelligence handling, earlier intervention and a new unit set to improve national understanding of the problem.
The agency says that landowners should be careful to check empty land and property on a regular basis to ensure it is secure, as they can be liable for waste dumped on their land. It also advised the public to check the public register of waste carriers before paying anyone to remove waste, and to report any suspected illegal dumping, suspicious waste movements, burning, unlicensed operators, or unusually cheap disposal offers to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Caroline Berry, Area Environment Manager for the Environment Agency, says: ‘Waste crime is a scourge on our environment and communities and together with the police we’ve made arrests as part of this investigation.
Waste criminals think they are above the law and can do what they want, especially on land they may own, but they can be certain we are coming for them. As part of our 10-point plan we’re taking faster, more targeted action to nip illegal waste activity in the bud and track down those responsible.’
Sergeant Robert Simpson, of the Rural Crime Team at Cheshire Police, adds: ‘Some people may believe that waste crime does not harm anyone, however this is far from the truth. Not only does it cause a blight on our landscape, but it can also cause long lasting environmental damage.
‘As part of the investigation into a site in Middlewich, we have arrested two men, and we will be working closely with our partners to ensure those responsible are held accountable for their actions. While our investigation continues, we would urge anyone with any information to get in touch. We would also remind local residents and businesses that if you need to dispose of any waste, please ensure that you use a legitimate waste removal company and always ask to see their licence.
‘Some people can claim to have a licence to get rid of waste but have no intention of doing things correctly, often charging bargain prices to get rid of your rubbish, only for it to end up dumped somewhere it should not be. If the waste is tracked down to you, what started off as a good deal could end up as a hefty fine, even if you weren’t the one who dumped the waste.’
Photo courtesy of Environment Agency.
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