Four arrested over notorious illegal waste dumping in Wigan

The arrests relate to an ongoing investigation into large-scale, unlawful waste disposal at the Bolton House Road site in Wigan - a location that has caused significant distress for residents.

The waste site has been a persistent source of complaints due to foul odours and environmental hazards. Last summer, a week-long fire at the site forced nearby schools to close.

The arrests were made as part of coordinated efforts by the Environment Agency, supported by the North West Regional Organised Crime Unit and multiple police forces.

The notorious Bolton House Road site in Wigan (Image: DEFRA)

The four men arrested are a 41-year-old and a 35-year-old from Wigan, a 24-year-old from Leeds, and a 59-year-old from Liverpool.

The 24-year-old from Leeds was also arrested in connection with waste dumping at the Cave’s Inn Pits Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) in Leicestershire.

The Environment Agency's National Environmental Crime Unit is leading the investigation.

Sue Longstone, director of operations for the north at the Environment Agency, said: "The illegal dumping at Bolton House Road and Cave's Inn Pits are atrocious attacks on our communities, and we share the public's utter disgust at these horrendous crimes.

"Our teams have been working relentlessly on these investigations, and our arrests are a vital step in collecting new evidence and progressing it further."

Prime Minister and Makerfield MP Andy Burnham said: "I have stood on Bolton House Road and seen what local people have had to live with.

The site is blamed for foul smells, environmental concerns and a week-long fire (Image: DEFRA)

"It is shocking - an ocean of rubbish piled up next to a primary school, and families unable to escape the smell in their own homes.

"This is not fly tipping.

"This is organised crime, and it is local communities that are paying the price.

"For too long, this issue has been ignored.

"But not on my watch.

"Today's action by the Environment Agency and the police is just the start of our plans.

"The days of making easy money from waste are over."

Andy Burnham said: "This is not fly-tipping. This is organised crime." (Image: PA)

Environment Secretary Angela Eagle condemned the illegal dumping.

She said: "The appalling dumping of waste at Bolton House Road and Cave's Inn Pits represents a blatant disregard for local communities and the environment.

"Tackling waste crime is one of my top priorities, and these arrests mark an important step in delivering justice for residents in Wigan and Shawell.

"This government is taking a zero-tolerance approach to waste crime.

"Through our Waste Crime Action Plan, we are giving regulators and enforcement agencies the powers and resources they need to break up criminal operations and ensure those responsible are held fully accountable for the damage they have caused.

"I want to be clear to waste criminals: we are coming for you."

The government has pledged direct funding for the clean-up of the Bolton House Road site and is working with Wigan Council to appoint a specialist contractor for the operation.

Measures have already been implemented to prevent further illegal dumping, including the installation of concrete blocks at the site entrance.

In May, a 58-year-old man from the Birmingham area was also arrested in connection with the Wigan site.

These actions form part of the government’s Waste Crime Action Plan, which includes stronger enforcement tools for regulators.

Anyone with information on illegal waste dumping can contact the Environment Agency via its 24-hour hotline on 0800 807060 or anonymously through Crimestoppers.