"No timeline yet" for clearing illegal waste mountain in Kidlington
Efforts continue to manage and monitor the site, while options for safe removal are explored
The Environment Agency (EA) has stated there is no timeline yet for clearing a 150-metre long illegal waste pile near Kidlington, Oxfordshire, as work continues to secure and monitor the site.
Declared a “critical incident,” the waste mountain, located alongside the A34 and close to the River Cherwell, contains significant amounts of household and commercial waste, including shredded paper, card and plastic.
Safeguarding the site
To address immediate risks, the EA has installed large sandbags, to prevent waste from entering the River Cherwell during heavy rainfall or flooding. Firefighters have also checked for hotspots in the waste pile that could lead to fires, while the site has been secured with fencing and 24-hour security.
Specialist EA teams are on-site, monitoring potential environmental impacts and continuing efforts to minimise risks to the community and river.
EA's area director for the Thames, Anna Burns, said: "The Environment Agency and local partners are taking decisive action to ensure the community and environment are protected from the illegal waste dump in Kidlington."
She added: "Additional security measures, new protective barriers to prevent waste entering the River Cherwell, and enhanced monitoring efforts are all being carried out. As ever the safety of residents remains our top priority."
Investigation and response
The agency issued a cease and desist letter in July to stop further dumping but discovered additional waste being tipped in October, prompting a court order to close the site.
Earlier this week, a 39-year-old man from Guildford was arrested as part of the investigation into the waste dump.
Councillor Judy Roberts, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for environment, stated that all surrounding footpaths had been closed and 24-hour security engaged while investigations continued.
“Everybody is determined to bring the culprits for this disgraceful act to justice and to reassure the public that we are working hard to move this issue forward,” Roberts said.
Moving forward
The Environment Agency continues to collaborate with partners to identify options for safely removing and disposing of the waste while minimising risk to the environment.
In a statement, the organisation asked for patience, noting: “While we cannot give a timeline for this work, we ask the public to remain patient whilst the necessary steps are put in place, in the knowledge that all partners are working together to manage the current risk.”
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer previously expressed his dismay at the illegal dump, calling on the EA to use all its powers to expedite the clean-up.
Work to tackle the waste mountain remains ongoing.