The clean-up operation has finally started at a beauty spot – two months after more than 300 tonnes of waste was dumped there.
The fly-tipping – including shredded paper and bandages – has blocked a car park and public footpath ever since the rubbish was dumped in Gladings Wood, Madeley Heath.But the fly-tipped waste has not been moved for two months and taxpayers will have to foot the bill to clear the site.
Now officials hope to reopen the footpath on the Forestry Commission-owned land by Easter.
The fly-tippers knocked down trees and smashed through a gate to dump the waste which also includes confidential paperwork from councils and the NHS. It was discovered by walkers in Leycett Lane and Bowsey Wood.
Simon White, of Poolside, Madeley, said: “This has taken more than two months to be cleared up and it has been a crime scene for far too long. Hopefully the fly-tippers will be prosecuted and residents can keep their eyes and ears open.”
The clean-up operation involves Staffordshire County Council, Newcastle Borough Council and the Forestry Commission.
County councillor Gill Heath said: “The scale of this illicit dumping is shocking and unfortunately it is not an isolated incident in the county.
“Madeley Heath is a wonderful location for walkers and this gross criminal act has the potential to cause serious environmental harm. We hope it has not caused longer-term damage. We can assure people that we will be looking to prosecute and press for severe penalties. We want to see this waste cleared and the land restored as soon as possible.”
Staffordshire Police are continuing to investigate the fly-tipping. It follows similar incidents in Biddulph, Brindley Ford and Meir this year.
Forestry Commission forester Alan Dowell said: “We were shocked and appalled by this horrendous fly-tipping. Sadly people cannot enjoy a visit to the wood until it is cleared away and this selfish act will have significant clean-up costs.”
Article originally published on www.stokesentinel.co.uk on 5th April 2017.