Fears as ‘obscene’ fly-tipped rubbish dump drifts closer to river

LocalEnvironment
18 Nov 2025 • 11:23 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

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  • Liberal Democrat MP Calum Miller has urged the government to clear an "obscene" 12-metre high illegal waste dump in Kidlington, Oxfordshire.
  • The massive fly-tip, approximately 150 metres long, poses a significant pollution threat to the River Cherwell, especially after heavy rainfall.
  • Mr Miller called for an urgent government directive for the Environment Agency to clear the site, similar to a previous order issued for Hoades Wood in Kent.
  • Environment Minister Emma Hardy confirmed a criminal investigation is underway regarding the dumping, which is attributed to organised criminal gangs.
  • The Environment Agency has already issued a cease and desist order, secured a court order to prevent further tipping, and launched a major investigation into the incident.

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