‘Obscene’ Illegal Rubbish Dump Poses Urgent Threat to River Cherwell
The Government is facing growing pressure to issue an urgent directive to the Environment Agency, compelling it to clean up a massive illegal waste dump described as ‘obscene’ that is threatening the River Cherwell in Oxfordshire.
Liberal Democrat MP Calum Miller, representing Bicester and Woodstock, raised the alarm in the House of Commons, revealing that the fly tip in Kidlington has reached staggering proportions. The dump is approximately 150 metres long, 10 metres wide, and towers 12 metres high.
Criminal Gangs and Environmental Peril
Mr Miller stated that organised criminal gangs are behind the illegal dumping, operations that can earn ‘millions of pounds without a thought for the health of people or animals’. The environmental danger has intensified significantly following heavy rainfall from Storm Claudia.
This rainfall is now carrying parts of the vast waste pile towards the River Cherwell, which flows through Oxford and into the Thames, raising the spectre of widespread pollution.
Calls for Immediate Government Action
The MP issued a direct plea to ministers, urging them to follow the precedent set in May 2024 when a previous secretary of state ordered the Environment Agency to clear Hoades Wood in Kent. ‘Will they issue a similar urgent directive... before it’s too late for the River Cherwell?’ he asked.
He had previously highlighted that the estimated clean-up cost would exceed the entire annual budget of Cherwell District Council, making central government intervention essential.
Cross-Party Concern and Agency Response
Labour MP Chris Hinchliffe echoed the severity of the issue, labelling the criminal gangs as ‘enemies of the countryside’ and a clear danger to the nation. Shadow environment secretary Dr Neil Hudson also confirmed he has witnessed similar frightening cases in his own constituency.
In response, Environment Minister Emma Hardy acknowledged the ‘appalling case’ and shared the public's anger, assuring that the Environment Agency is working closely with local partners. She highlighted a 50% increase in funding for waste enforcement under the current government.
An Environment Agency spokesperson condemned the ‘sickening case of large-scale illegal waste dumping’, confirming that a major investigation is underway. The agency has already secured a court order to close the site and prevent further dumping, with specialist officers monitoring the area for pollution.
