Man arrested over Oxfordshire waste mountain

Man arrested over Oxfordshire waste mountain

Authorities have arrested a 39-year-old man from the Guildford region in connection with a massive fly-tipping incident that resulted in a substantial heap of waste being dumped in a field close to Kidlington, Oxfordshire. The Environment Agency (EA) responded to the incident by declaring a critical situation due to the scale and environmental impact of the rubbish pile. This vast accumulation of discarded material measures approximately 150 meters in length and rises about six meters high, situated between the River Cherwell and the A34 road.

During Prime Minister’s Questions, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer addressed the issue, affirming that “all available powers” would be employed to hold those responsible accountable for the clean-up costs. Anna Burns, the EA’s area director for The Thames, described the illegal dumping as an “appalling” act that has caused significant outrage over its effects on the local community and environment. She explained that the agency has been working continuously with the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit to pursue justice and ensure that offenders are penalized.

Following ongoing unlawful activity at the site, the EA secured a court order to close the area on 23 October, which has successfully halted further dumping. For safety and legal reasons, the location is now a secured crime scene, and the public has been advised against entering. The Environment Agency, in collaboration with Oxfordshire County Council, Thames Valley Police, and National Highways, continues to lead a comprehensive investigation. Specialist teams are currently on site managing the situation and assessing risks to nearby natural resources, including the River Cherwell.

The waste pile, which first raised concerns in July, appears to consist mainly of processed domestic refuse, including shredded plastics, polystyrene, tyres, and assorted household items. Eyewitnesses from neighboring properties have reported witnessing nightly truckloads of rubbish being deposited over several months. Phil Davies, head of the Joint Unit for Waste Crime, cautioned the public and media not to speculate on other suspects or tamper with the waste, emphasizing the site’s status as an active crime scene. Meanwhile, water quality testing in the region has not detected any breakdown of the waste material. Local officials and MPs have urged for more decisive government action, pointing to similar waste crime cases elsewhere, and highlighting the need for stronger measures to combat this escalating problem

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