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In Oxfordshire, an extensive pile of illegally dumped waste has appeared in a field alongside the River Cherwell near Kidlington. This towering mess, reaching approximately 6 meters (20 feet) in height and stretching 60 meters (200 feet) long, has been described as an “environmental catastrophe unfolding in plain sight.” The unlawful deposit of rubbish is causing serious concern among local authorities and environmental groups.
Calum Miller, the Liberal Democrat MP representing Bicester and Woodstock, brought the issue to the attention of Parliament. Highlighting the severity of the situation, he warned that the waste is “threatening an environmental disaster.” He detailed how the pile is located on a floodplain, putting the nearby river at further risk. Miller emphasized that the rising river levels and the heat generated by the compacted waste increase the danger of fire. He also pointed out the challenge in addressing the problem, noting that the cleanup cost exceeds the entire annual budget of the local district council and that enforcement resources are limited.
The charity Friends of the Thames has revealed that the dumping was carried out around a month ago by an organised crime group. Their chief executive, Laura Reineke, described the situation as a dire threat to the ecosystem. She stressed, “Every day that passes increases the risk of toxic run-off entering the river system, poisoning wildlife and threatening the health of the entire catchment.” Reineke called for immediate intervention from the Environment Agency, criticizing the typical delayed response time.
In response, Environment Minister Mary Creagh acknowledged a wider issue with the waste industry, stating the government had inherited what she described as an “epidemic of illegal fly-tipping.” She informed MPs that the Environment Agency has issued a restriction notice to prevent further dumping at the site. Meanwhile, the agency itself confirmed that it is investigating the case and urged the public to come forward with any relevant information. They stated, “We share the public’s anger about incidents like this, which is why we take action against those responsible for waste crime.”
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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