A 25,000-tonne illegal waste dump in Bickershaw has remained on Bolton House Road for over 20 months, creating an ongoing public health and environmental hazard for residents. While the government previously pledged to fund a cleanup through the Environment Agency (EA), no removal work has begun, leaving the site as a focal point in the local Makerfield byelection campaign.
Did You Know? The Bickershaw site is currently one of the largest illegal toxic waste dumps in the United Kingdom. A significant portion of the land is now owned by the duchy of Lancaster, which acquired the property after the original owners could not be traced.
How the Bickershaw dump impacts the community
Local residents report severe living conditions caused by the 25,000 tonnes of household and trade waste. Nicha Rowson, a resident living near the site, stated that the dump has produced intense odors, ranging from a “methaney” scent in winter to a “rotting” smell during the summer months. According to residents, the site has also attracted rat infestations, forcing some families to relocate children to ensure their health.
The environmental threat was underscored last summer when the dump caught fire, burning for nine days. The resulting fumes forced the closure of a nearby primary school and confined residents to their homes. Marilyn Naylor, who lives opposite the school fields, noted that the smell has periodically prevented children from playing outdoors.
Why the cleanup remains a political issue
The delay in clearing the Bickershaw site has drawn comparisons to a similar illegal dump in Kidlington, Oxfordshire. Residents argue that the Oxfordshire site received a swift, government-funded cleanup following parliamentary intervention due to fire safety concerns. Nicha Rowson and other locals view the disparity as a manifestation of a “north-south divide,” where northern communities feel forgotten by central authorities.
Outgoing Makerfield MP Josh Simons previously campaigned for the EA to intervene, successfully securing a government commitment to pay for the site’s removal. However, with the byelection approaching on 18 June, candidates are divided on the path forward. Manchester mayor Andy Burnham has included the cleanup in his campaign efforts, while Reform UK’s deputy leader, Richard Tice, has framed the site as a symptom of national decline under both Conservative and Labour governments.
Expert Insight: The political tension surrounding this site highlights the challenges of holding criminal gangs accountable for illegal waste. These groups often profit by pocketing landfill taxes, which currently stand at £130.75 per tonne. When authorities cannot trace the perpetrators or landowners, the financial burden of the estimated £1bn annual cost of such crimes frequently shifts to the taxpayer, creating a cycle of slow remediation that leaves local communities in limbo.
What may happen next
The Environment Agency has stated that officials from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) are in regular contact with Wigan council. According to the EA, there are “important steps” that must be completed before the physical removal of the waste can proceed. Once these administrative and preparatory requirements are met, the agency anticipates that the clearance operation could begin swiftly.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the dumping at Bickershaw begin?
The first lorries were observed dumping waste on Bolton House Road in October 2024.
Who is responsible for the cleanup?
The government announced earlier this year that the Environment Agency would clear the site using taxpayer funds, though the duchy of Lancaster has also expressed commitment to working with the EA and Wigan council to address the issue.
Why hasn’t the rubbish been removed yet?
The Environment Agency has cited the need to complete specific “important steps” before the cleanup operation can officially commence.
Do you believe local intervention or national policy is more effective in resolving illegal waste crises?
