Two arrested over large-scale illegal waste dump

Two men have been arrested after piles of illegal waste were found dumped on a farm in Cheshire.

The site, on Coal Pit Lane near Middlewich, was found to contain a significant amount of garden waste, construction waste, plastics, tyres, shredded paper and mixed household waste.

The Environment Agency contacted Cheshire Police on the morning of Friday 7 August to assist with the arrest of a 69-year-old local man at the scene.

A second local man, 37, was arrested at the same site on Monday 10 August during a follow-up operation.

Both men were questioned on suspicion of waste offences and have since been bailed while the investigation continues.

The Environment Agency said the waste had been dumped on land next to the River Wheelock.

Caroline Berry, area environment manager for the agency, said: "Waste crime is a scourge on our environment and communities, and together with the police we've made arrests as part of this investigation.

"Waste criminals think they are above the law and can do what they want, especially on land they may own, but they can be certain we are coming for them."

Cheshire Police described illegal waste dumping as a "blight on our landscape" and urged businesses and residents looking for help to dispose of waste to ensure they are using legitimate licensed companies.

Sgt Robert Simpson, part of the force's Rural Crime Team, said: "Some people can claim to have a licence to get rid of waste, but have no intention of doing things correctly, often charging bargain prices to get rid of your rubbish only for it to end up dumped somewhere it should not be.

"If the waste is tracked down to you, what started off as a good deal could end up as a hefty fine - even if you weren't the one who dumped the waste."

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