- An illegal waste dump, stretching 150 metres and containing 21,000 tonnes of rubbish, is being cleared from a site near the River Cherwell in Kidlington, Oxfordshire.
- The colossal clean-up operation, led by the Environment Agency and costing £7.3 million, is expected to take six months, with 15 to 30 lorry loads removed daily.
- The dumping caused widespread outrage and prompted a criminal investigation, leading to four arrests, with concerns raised about pollution to the River Cherwell and fire risks.
- The Environment Agency secured a court order to stop further dumping in October and is now funding the clear-up, vowing to pursue those responsible for the costs.
- This incident highlights the extent of criminal activity in the waste sector, prompting the Environment Agency to implement a 10-point action plan to prevent future illegal dumps.
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