Farmers call for tougher action against fly-tipping as crews clear Kidlington dump
CLA say stricter enforcement and punishments are needed to prevent future incidents
Farmers have welcomed the start of a major clean-up at a huge illegal waste site in Kidlington – but say stronger action is urgently needed to stop it happening again.
An estimated 21,000 tonnes of rubbish are now being removed from the site near the A34, after being dumped by criminal gangs over several months.
The operation, led by the Environment Agency, is expected to take around six months, with up to 30 lorry loads of waste being taken away each day.
Tim Bamford, Regional Director for the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) in the South East, says it’s a positive step – but long overdue.
He said: “It’s been a long time coming and we welcome the fact that it’s actually happening. It’s something that, to be quite frank, should have been done months and months ago.”
The CLA represents farmers and rural businesses, many of whom say fly-tipping and organised waste crime are having a growing impact on their livelihoods.
Mr Bamford says the problem is widespread across the countryside.
“Farmers and landowners see it day in, day out,” he said. “It’s causing so much damage, both economically and environmentally – and they’re fed up with it.”
As well as the environmental harm, dumped waste can damage farm machinery or even be eaten by livestock, creating serious risks.
But the cost of prevention is also rising, with farmers increasingly forced to install gates, CCTV and other security measures.
“Fundamentally, the victims are paying the price,” Mr Bamford added.
He is now calling on the government to step up enforcement and introduce tougher penalties for those responsible.
“There’s not enough enforcement and when it does happen, the fines are nowhere near significant enough,” he said. “We want stricter controls, bigger fines and for vehicles and assets to be seized so offenders think twice.”
The CLA has also highlighted flaws in the waste carrier licensing system, after successfully applying for a licence in the name of a cow called “Beau Vine” – with no checks carried out.
Mr Bamford said: “It just shows how easy it is to take advantage of the system.”
He says lessons must be learned.
“This didn’t happen overnight. It was reported time and time again, but nothing was done for a long time,” he said.
“We need action much earlier. If these sites are dealt with quickly, we don’t end up with something on this scale that costs huge amounts of public money to clear up.”
The Environment Agency says four people have already been arrested as part of its investigation into the site.
A spokesperson from Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs responded saying: "We are working across government to wipe out illegal waste throughout the country and make those responsible pay including significant reforms to the carriers, brokers and dealers regime.
“We are directly supporting the Environment Agency to stop the exploitation of our waste system, including a £43 million boost to waste crime enforcement, and tougher sentences for those who break the law.”