Work intensified at illegal Kidlington dump as date set

A track is being raised out of the saturated ground to give heavy vehicles safe access to the site once waste removal begins.

The Environment Agency says the official clear up will begin in April, some 10 months after it was first reported to Cherwell District Council.

Temporary traffic management measures will be in place outside the site, away from the A34, to manage the flow of traffic and avoid bottlenecks.

Work in Kidlington has commenced ahead of the dump clearance (Image: Environemnt Agency)

There will be a reduced speed limit and two sets of temporary traffic lights, which will be switched on during the site’s operational hours in the day and will only turn red when a lorry is looking to leave the site.

Providing an update on progress so far, a spokesman at the Environment Agency said: “Our contractors have been layering aggregate over the saturated ground to provide a solid base.

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“After this a top layer of finer aggregate will be laid to build site vehicle tracks. A compound and welfare facilities will also be set up for site-based staff.

“We remain on schedule to begin clearing waste in April.”

Work in Kidlington has commenced ahead of the dump clearance (Image: Environemnt Agency)

Geotextile was laid on site ahead of the aggregate being placed for the makeshift road network for the lorries.

This is needed to stop the rubbish-filled lorries, which will remove the 10,000 tonnes of waste, from getting bogged down on the muddy road, caused by persistent rain this winter.

Yorkshire firm Acumen Waste Services won the £8m contract to remove the waste, which is very close to the River Cherwell.

But fencing and bulk sandbags were installed around it to prevent surface water from the drainage ditch entering the site.

null (Image: Jonathan Brady / PA)

Rainfall has hindered progress on removing the pile; Oxfordshire had 188 per cent of the long term average rainfall for January and 178 per cent of long term average rainfall in February.

In early February, eight trees were removed from around the site entrance to enable lorries which will remove the waste access to the site. It had to be done before bird nesting season.

Four men have been arrested in connection with the dumping and remain under a formal investigation. No charges have been brought forward yet.

Environment secretary Emma Reynolds said: “I’ve been in regular conversations with the Environment Agency and strongly welcome the decision to clear the site.

“I will continue working with them to make sure that those responsible pay for their crimes.”

Environment Agency chief executive Philip Duffy added: “Our local teams have been at this site working with partners to reduce harm and minimise risks while we pursue those responsible.”