Closure order granted at huge illegal toxic waste site

Wigan and Leigh magistrates approved a closure order for the land at Bolton House Road today, (Wednesday, March 25).

The closure order will prevent access to any unauthorised individuals at the waste site where an estimated 25,000 tonnes of toxic material has been dumped

Environment Agency (EA) assessments and preparations to remove the vast quantity of hazardous material have started at Bickershaw.

Breaching the order is a criminal offence.

The order was applied for by Wigan Council.

The ‘ocean of rubbish’ emerged last summer in Bickershaw when a week-long fire saw some of the waste burn, forcing nearby schools to close.

A criminal investigation is underway to find out who was responsible for dumping the rubbish at the former scrapyard.

The closure order follows the announcement of the government’s Waste Crime Action Plan last week, within which, the EA committed to clearing the Bickershaw waste site at a cost of millions of pounds.

Leader of Wigan Council, Coun David Molyneux MBE, said: “The announcement that central government will fund the clearance of the
Bolton House Road site is fantastic news for all of the residents and the community who have had to live with the daily impacts of the illegal waste dump.

“This closure order will ensure that no further illegal activity can take place at the site as it is prepared for clearance.

“Following the fire at the site in July 2025, Wigan Council has been working with the Environment Agency and other partners to minimise the impact on the public and environment, and try to find a solution to the problem.

“We have long called on the government to make funding available to help remove the waste at Bolton House Road, so this is a very welcome
announcement that will make a huge difference to the community.”

The Environment Agency (EA) also secured a six-month restriction order to prevent access at the neighbouring ‘Old Cricket Ground’ last month, following reports of scrap metal being moved onto the site, and the council continues to support their criminal investigation which has seen various individuals interviewed under caution.

Coun Paul Prescott, portfolio holder for planning, environmental services and transport said: “This has had a huge impact on the local community in Bickershaw so I would like to thank local residents and partners for their patience and cooperation throughout this process, and I hope to see some progress on the waste removal imminently.

“The council remains committed to taking firm action against illegal waste activity and protecting our communities and local environment.”