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Wigan family's home a 'prison' due to waste dump.
20 Jan
Summary
- Child with autism forced to move out due to toxic fumes.
- Family home plagued by severe rat infestation.
- Authorities accused of ignoring pleas for help.
A Wigan family describes their home as a 'prison' after 25,000 tonnes of illegally dumped waste caught fire for nine days last year. The lingering smell has forced Nicha Rowson's eight-year-old son, Oliver, who has autism, to relocate to his grandmother's house because it makes him physically ill.
The ordeal has caused significant distress, impacting the family's mental health and creating a sense of separation. Adding to their plight, the property experienced a severe rat infestation, leading to the family dismantling their ceiling to address the issue. Residents like Nicha feel ignored by the Environment Agency and local council.
A similar waste site in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, received £9.6 million for cleanup, sparking accusations of a class-based disparity in environmental response. Baroness Sheehan highlighted that the rotting, hazardous waste in Bickershaw warrants high priority for resident and child safety.
