Criminal waste dumping at site

An illegal waste dumping site the size of a football pitch has been uncovered by the Environment Agency in Crowland.

The site, on Hundreds Road, was visited by officials last Thursday in a bid to gain evidence against those taking part in illegal dumping.

The huge pile of rubbish included construction and demolition materials, metals, plastics and garden waste.

The site, near Stredders Farm, is believed to be at the centre of the illegal waste disposal activities and is currently under investigation.

The site is suspected of operating without the legally required waste exemptions or environmental permits.

“It’s clear that this site has been used by rogue traders to illegally deposit waste. Activities like this have the potential to harm the environment, blight communities and undermine legitimate businesses that do follow rules,” said Yvonne Daly, environment manager at the Environment Agency.

“Our role is to protect the environment for people and wildlife, so we won’t hesitate to take action against those who put it at risk. And to businesses flouting the rules, our message is clear: you won’t get away with it,” she added.

But the news was not startling to people in the area as one Crowland resident said the council had to remove waste “ten to 15 times a year” from the Hundreds Road area.

“This has been going on for years, everything from bricks to asbestos and tree waste has been dumped there at one time or another,” they said.

The Environment Agency is currently cracking down on organised waste crime and is working with the police and other enforcement agencies to put the waste criminals out of business.

People can check if a waste business is genuine by contacting the Environment Agency on 03708 506506 Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm.
Criminal waste activity can be reported to the agency’s 24-hour hotline on 0800 807060.