Vast Toxic Fly Tip Ignored Despite 96 Warnings

A vast toxic fly tip, described as being at least ten times the size of a previously notorious site in Oxfordshire, operated unchecked for seven years near Over, Gloucestershire. The Environment Agency received 96 reports regarding the illegal dumping between 2018 and last month, yet waste continued to accumulate across more than two acres to depths of up to 20 feet. The site regularly self-combusts, releasing foul-smelling smoke that drifts over a popular family farm attraction.

Locals expressed frustration, with one resident stating he made five personal reports with photographic evidence, only to be told by the agency that they could not use the images without him testifying in court. The landowner has been identified as Sean Butcher, and businessman Marshall Gorman is reportedly operating the site. Forest of Dean District Council confirmed taking action against the landowner for "serious breaches of environmental regulations." The Environment Agency stated that no more waste has been deposited since their intervention and that they are investigating the full impact, while local authorities and the police are involved in ongoing efforts to combat illegal waste dumping.

Highnam Parish Council has lodged a formal complaint with the Environment Agency over its perceived inaction. Over Farm Park, situated adjacent to the fly tip, reported significant negative impacts on their business due to smoke and public safety concerns from vehicles accessing the illegal site. Despite assurances from the Environment Agency about recent interventions and future strategies to combat waste criminals, the long-standing nature of the problem has caused considerable local distress and environmental damage.