Fly-tippers cover field in enormous heap of waste

Witness

Waste criminals have discarded a huge quantity of waste in a field in Oxfordshire.

The "environmental crisis developing in full view" is approximately 150m (490ft) extending and 6m (20ft) in height.

The massive pile has appeared in a open area alongside the River Cherwell in the vicinity of Kidlington.

A local MP brought up the situation in parliament, declaring it was "posing risk of an ecological catastrophe".

An environmental charity reported the illegal garbage pile was formed around a few weeks back by an criminal network.

"This constitutes an ecological disaster taking place in public view.

"Daily that passes increases the threat of poisonous run-off reaching the aquatic network, contaminating animals and endangering the wellbeing of the whole catchment.

"Environmental authorities must respond now, not in extended periods, which is their standard reaction time."

Access ban had been put in place by the Environment Agency.

It is difficult to distinguish any individual pieces of waste as it appears to have been broken up with soil mixed in.

Some of the garbage from the uppermost part of the heap has collapsed and is now only five feet from the waterway.

The River Cherwell is a tributary of the River Thames, which means it travels through Oxford before connecting with the Thames.

Official recording

The representative requested the authorities for assistance to clear the illegal site before it resulted in a fire or was carried into the aquatic system.

Informing elected representatives on Thursday, he stated: "Criminals have deposited a massive amount of unauthorized synthetic materials... totaling substantial weight, in my district on a riverside area adjacent to the River Cherwell.

"Water heights are growing and thermal imaging indicate that the garbage is also increasing in temperature, elevating the danger of fire.

"Environmental authorities stated it has restricted capabilities for enforcement, that the projected expense of disposal is larger than the complete annual funding of the local district council."

Government official commented the government had inherited a underperforming recycling sector that had caused an "epidemic of illegal waste disposal".

She informed MPs the organization had implemented a access ban to prevent further admission to the location.

In a declaration, the authority confirmed it was looking into the situation and requested for evidence.

It said: "We understand the community's anger about situations like this, which is why we intervene against those accountable for illegal dumping."

A recent report found attempts to combat major waste crime have been "severely under-prioritised" despite the problem growing more extensive and more advanced.

A parliamentary committee suggested an independent "thorough" inquiry into how "widespread" environmental offenses is tackled.