The government has confirmed it will fund the clearance of a 25,000-ton illegal waste dump in Makerfield
The Leader of Wigan Council, Councillor Nazia Rehman, said: “This is an important step, and we are aiming to move as quickly as possible. While the clearance itself will take time due to the complexities of the site, this is real progress.
“The multi-agency recovery group has pushed hard to bring this timeline forward and we remain aware of how the site continues to impact our residents. It is unacceptable and we are committed to resolving it. I want to assure residents that we are working as hard and as fast as we can.
“I would like to thank the Government for giving us the assurances we need to start spending money to get this process moving forward.”
Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said: “The illegal dumping of waste at Bolton House Road is disgraceful, and from speaking with residents, I know the toll it has had on their daily lives.
“I welcome this progress and we are working closely with Wigan Council to ensure they press ahead as quickly as possible, so residents can get on with their lives.
“Our Waste Crime Action Plan is cracking down on those responsible for this environmental harm and ensuring sites like Bolton House Road are never allowed to blight our communities again.”
Closure orders remain in place at both Bolton House Road and the neighbouring Old Cricket Ground to prevent access, while the site will continue to be monitored for illegal activity, safety issues, vermin and environmental impacts.
Meanwhile, the Environment Agency continues to lead a criminal investigation which saw a 58-year-old man from the Birmingham area arrested last month in connection with illegal dumping at the site and others across England.
He was arrested on suspicion of environmental, fraud and money laundering offences and has been released on conditional bail while enquiries continue.
