Oxfordshire Field closed After Illegal Waste Dump
KIDLINGTON, Oxfordshire - A important illegal waste dump, described as a “mountain” of rubbish, has forced the closure of a field near the A34 in Kidlington, Oxfordshire. The Environment Agency has secured a court order blocking public access to the site for at least six months while an investigation is underway.
the dumped waste is impacting the local environment, with concerns raised about the harm to wildlife. Individuals have been observed “splashing about and fishing for aquatic invertebrates,” highlighting the ecological consequences of the illegal dumping.
Specialist officers are working to identify those responsible and pursue appropriate action. The incident comes as a recent report from the Lords environment and climate change committee revealed that organised crime gangs are illegally dumping millions of tonnes of waste annually across the UK countryside.
The committee’s report identified shortcomings within the Environment Agency as contributing to the escalating crisis. However, environment Agency chief executive Philip Duffy defended his staff, stating, “I think it’s very unfair on my hard-working staff to be accused of incompetence.”
Further details about the investigation and the scale of the dumped waste are expected to be released as the inquiry progresses.
