A colossal illegal waste dump containing an estimated 25,000 tonnes of rubbish has been discovered on land partially owned by King Charles, triggering a fierce dispute over responsibility for a clean-up operation expected to cost taxpayers millions of pounds.
"Most Dangerous" Illegal Dump Near Primary School
Described as potentially the UK's "most dangerous illegal waste dump," the massive two-acre site in Bickershaw, near Wigan, sits alarmingly close to a local primary school. Shocking photographs reveal mountains of waste reaching 20 metres high, consisting of thousands of black bin bags filled with household refuse including nappies, alongside hazardous chemicals and plastics.
Disgruntled residents living near Bolton House Road reported that a constant procession of lorries began depositing waste at the location from January 2025, with the site eventually becoming so overloaded that deliveries slowed to a trickle.
Ancient Feudal Law Creates Modern Clean-Up Impasse
The controversy centres on approximately 30% of the site that falls under the ownership of the Duchy of Lancaster, King Charles's extensive private property portfolio. The Duchy maintains that under an ancient feudal legal framework dating back 750 years, specifically the principle of "escheat," it is exempt from regulations and duties to clean contaminated land it inherits from dissolved companies.
This legal position directly contradicts the Environment Agency's longstanding guidance that landowners bear responsibility for clearing illegal waste from their properties. The Duchy insists the clean-up obligation lies squarely with Wigan Council, while the council faces the prospect of inheriting a multi-million pound remediation bill if it accepts transfer of the contaminated land.
Residents Endure Health Hazards and Official Inaction
Local residents have endured appalling conditions, with one anonymous neighbour describing the situation as "absolutely horrible." They reported infestations of rats and swarms of flies, alongside persistent odours from the decomposing waste. Another resident lamented that "no-one has given a damn until recently," despite repeated complaints about lorries dumping nappies, general household rubbish, chemicals, and plastics.
The crisis escalated in July when a major fire broke out at the dump, declared a significant incident that prompted Wigan Council to successfully apply for closure orders. However, residents claim authorities were initially reluctant to intervene when complaints first emerged earlier in the year.
Complex Ownership and Limited Enforcement Powers
Investigations revealed a complex web of land ownership, with the Duchy acquiring its portion in July 2025 through "bona vacantia" – the legal principle allowing it to collect assets of people who die without wills or next of kin within the historic County Palatine of Lancaster, as well as assets of dissolved companies.
The Duchy spokesperson clarified that "approximately 70% of the illegal tipping site is owned by other parties," with their minority holding representing land that effectively became "ownerless" after a previous company dissolved. They emphasised that the Duchy contacted Wigan Council immediately upon acquiring the land to seek resolution and remains "fully committed to working with the local community and relevant agencies."
The Environment Agency confirmed it is doing "everything in our powers" to manage the site and identify perpetrators through a major criminal investigation, but acknowledged its enforcement capabilities are limited unless the Duchy decides to take action. Wigan Council stated it "would need to consider the terms of any arrangement" regarding land transfer, noting the clean-up costs would likely far exceed the property's value.
This standoff between ancient privilege and modern environmental responsibility leaves a toxic legacy festering in the North of England, with local taxpayers potentially footing the bill for clearing a royal estate's contaminated land.
