Environment Agency steps in to shut down illegal waste site near Skipton
A court order has been brought in to prevent dumping at Pyethornes Farm near Skipton
Last updated 5th Feb 2026
The Environment Agency has secured a court order to shut down an illegal waste site close to Skipton in North Yorkshire.
The measure is aimed at preventing further dumping of waste at Pyethornes Farm in Wigglesworth.
Access to the premises is also restricted, with certain exceptions.
This court order follows a notice served by the Environment Agency on Monday, initially restricting site access for up to 72 hours.
A 50-year-old man has been charged with operating a regulated facility without an environmental permit, with his court appearance scheduled at York Magistrates’ Court on February 19.
Ian Foster, Area Environment Manager at the Environment Agency said:
“We’ve taken action to prevent access to this site while criminal proceedings are ongoing."
“Illegal waste activity harms communities, damages the environment, and undermines legitimate waste businesses."