The Environment Agency said the remaining circa 4,000 tonnes will be removed in the coming weeks in what has been a major clear-up operation of the Kidlington site.

The piles of waste, up to 10 metres tall, that were illegally dumped by “unscrupulous” criminals, have now been cleared from the northern and southern sections of the site, the agency said in its latest update.

And what remains to be disposed of is stockpiled within the site boundaries ready for collection.

The site at Kidlington now (Image: Environment Agency)

All of the waste that has been cleared so far has been taken to permitted waste management facilities.

A spokesman from the Environment Agency said: “This waste has blighted local communities and the environment, so we have been working at pace with over 700 lorry loads of waste leaving the site since we began clearance in April.

“We are now focusing efforts on clearing the site boundaries and peripheries.

“When this has been completed, we will dig trial pits and carry out ‘walk over’ inspections to identify any further pockets of buried waste that may need to be removed.”

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To clear such a huge pile of waste, it will cost taxpayers £7.3m and was done so with the help of a Yorkshire-based contractor.

But the Environment Agency is hoping to get that money back once those responsible are prosecuted.

Four men, all from out of Oxfordshire, have been arrested so far as part of the criminal investigation, but no charges have been brought.

The Environment Agency did not give any further information on its investigation when asked by this newspaper.

Progress made at the Kidlington dump (Image: Ian Middleton)

Having started in April, the clean-up is expected to take about six months and that progress so far is on track.

“In July we hope to begin reinstatement works,” the Environment Agency added.

“This includes inspections by our partners National Highways, to ensure their boundary that runs alongside the A34, the fencing and drainage ditches are all still fit for purpose.

“We will remove the Heras fencing and jumbo sandbags that were installed to protect the River Cherwell from pollution and decommission the site compound removing the staff welfare facilities, aggregate and access track.

“The aggregate that formed the underlay of our site compound and the contents of the jumbo sandbags will be sent for cleaning rather than disposal, allowing re-use in the future.”

Spanning about 8,000 square metres, the pile consists of mixed domestic and commercial waste, shredded plastics, polystyrene and tyres.

The Oxford-based learning disabilities charity raised £1,200 on Sunday, June 14 to help support its work across Oxfordshire.

Yellow Submarine’s Got Talent saw 150 audience members treated to an evening of joy, laughter and unforgettable moments.

Members of the charity, who all have learning disabilities or autism, took to the stage at The Corn Exchange in Witney.

From singing and dancing to comedy and even a spelling bee, every act brought something unique.

Yellow Submarine’s Got Talent (Image: Dale Stephens Photography)

A spokeswoman said: “For many of our members, stepping onto a stage in front of a packed audience was a huge achievement in itself.

“Watching people who have spent years building confidence through Yellow Submarine stand proudly in the spotlight was emotional for everyone in the room.”

One audience member named Meredith said: “It was very moving to see some members that I have known to be so shy and lacking in confidence get up on stage, perform and enjoy it. Really wonderful.”

The evening was full of standout moments, but a real highlight for many was Aaron, whose “breathtaking” performance of The Music of the Night, from The Phantom of the Opera, left the audience “completely spellbound”.

His powerful rendition earned a standing ovation and brought many people to tears.

Steve, caretaker at the Corn Exchange, said: “It was the first time in 30 years I had a tear in my eye during a performance for an event I was supervising.”

The charity said that the greatest success wasn’t the fundraising total, but the “pride on performers’ faces, the cheers from family and friends, and the reminder that everyone deserves the opportunity to be seen, celebrated and applauded”.

It added: “A huge thank you to everyone who performed, volunteered, donated and joined us for what was a truly special evening.

“After such an incredible debut, we’re already hoping that Yellow Submarine’s Got Talent will become an annual event.”

Police were called to Johnsons of Old Hurst at 1.24pm to reports of an incident involving a three-year-old boy, during which he ended up in the enclosure. 

The boy has been taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital with serious injuries and is critical but stable.

Specially trained officers are at the hospital supporting the boy’s family.

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Cambridgeshire Police have confirmed a 30-year-old man, from Norfolk, has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder. 

Detectives from the Major Crime Unit are investigating.

Det Insp Verity McCann said: “At this stage we are speaking to people who were at the zoo at the time of this distressing incident to understand more about the circumstances.

“We do not believe the man arrested and the child are known to each other.

“Officers are supporting the boy’s family at hospital, and our thoughts remain with them.”

Have you got a story you want to share? Get in touch at oliver.murphy@newsquest.co.uk