Investigation Launched Into “Sickening” Illegal Waste Dumping

An investigation has been launched into the large-scale illegal dumping of waste at a protected site in the Harborough district.

The Environment Agency says around 30,000 tonnes of household waste has been discovered spread across an area the size of a football pitch at Cave’s Inn Pits near Shawell, south of Lutterworth.

Officers say the waste is believed to be shredded and covered in layers of soil, and are warning people to stay away while inquiries continue.

The area is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSI) and well concealed, but the illegal dump was discovered last week by Environment Agency and Natural England officers, after members of the public reported strong smells from the area.

Around 30,000 tonnes of household waste have been discovered spread across an area the size of a football pitch at Cave’s Inn Pits Site

The private land is a former gravel works and protected for the importance of its neutral marsh as well as its scrub, grassland and pool habitats, which support a diverse range of breeding birds.

The Environment Agency is working with Natural England on the investigation, and is assessing the waste while monitoring local air and water quality for further environmental impact.

Ian Jones, Area Director for the West Midlands, said: “This is a sickening case of large-scale illegal waste dumping, and we share the public’s disgust. We have launched an investigation with Natural England to find the criminals and ensure they pay the price for their despicable actions. We ask the public to stay away from the area while we investigate.”

Natural England’s Phil Hukin said the damage was “heartbreaking” to one of England’s protected wildlife sites.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Environment Agency hotline on 0800 80 70 60, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.