Investigation over dumped waste at recycling plant

The dumping of waste on an industrial site in Worcester is being investigated by the Environment Agency (EA) after reports from other businesses.

The EA confirmed it was aware of the reports of waste being deposited at the Blackpole Recycling Ltd site and said it would take action if any permit breaches were found.

Witnesses from other businesses on the site described how lorries arrived before "dumping" the rubbish.

The BBC has attempted to contact Blackpole Recycling Ltd, which suffered a major fire in September, for a response, but it is not possible to reach anybody, and an answerphone message states the firm intends to appoint an administrator.

The incident, which saw a number of lorries enter the courtyard of Blackpole Recycling, happened at 16:00 GMT on Friday afternoon, witnesses said.

Those who saw the lorries, but did not want to be named, described it as highly co-ordinated.

One business owner said "it was like a military operation" and that those who were driving "knew exactly what they were doing".

They added the courtyard had been empty since the fire five months ago and that everything that could be seen had been dumped on Friday.

Teams from the EA and Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue have visited the site while the EA are examining whether any crimes have been committed.

This latest incident joins a list of other sites in Worcestershire which are currently being investigated for the dumping of illegal waste.

The EA and police are also investigating suspected illegal waste dumping at sites in Peopleton, Evesham and Wadborough that is believed to be linked.

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