Full Breakdown
Residents Suffer from Illegal Waste Dump in Wigan
1/20/2026, 11:42:51 AM
The Impact of Illegal Waste Dumping
In Bickershaw, Wigan, residents are grappling with the severe consequences of a 25,000-tonne illegal waste dump that has persisted since the autumn of 2024. Nicha Rowson, a local mother, described her home as a "prison," stating that the toxic environment forced her eight-year-old son, Oliver, who has autism, to move in with his grandmother due to health concerns. The family has faced significant mental strain, compounded by a rat infestation that led them to tear down their ceiling to address the issue. Nicha expressed feelings of failure as a parent, stating, "I'm fighting and fighting, and I'm not winning the battle."
The illegal dumping, which began on Bolton House Road, escalated to a major incident in July 2022 when a fire broke out at the site, burning for nine days and resulting in the closure of a local primary school. Residents reported being hospitalized due to the smoke, and the incident strained local resources, leaving some without water for days.
Economic and Environmental Consequences
Illegal waste management is a growing issue across England, with estimates suggesting that one-fifth of all waste—approximately 34 million tonnes annually—is handled unlawfully. This situation costs the economy around £1 billion each year, while legitimate waste operators lose an estimated £3 billion in potential business. The previous head of the Environment Agency referred to waste crime as "the new narcotics," highlighting the lucrative nature of this illegal activity.
Criticism of Authorities
Residents like Nicha feel abandoned by the Environment Agency (EA) and local authorities. Despite repeated pleas for assistance, she claims they have been largely ignored. The disparity in response to similar illegal dumping incidents has sparked criticism. For instance, a site in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, received £9.6 million for cleanup efforts, prompting local MP Josh Simons to question why Wigan's situation, which also posed significant health risks, did not warrant similar attention. Baroness Sheehan, chair of the House of Lords environment and climate change committee, emphasized the hazardous nature of the waste in Bickershaw, calling for urgent action.
Official Responses
In response to the ongoing crisis, a spokesperson for the EA acknowledged the challenges faced by Wigan residents but emphasized their commitment to holding perpetrators accountable for cleanup costs. Wigan Council is also taking steps to address the issue, with plans to clear part of the site that has encroached on a nature reserve. Council leader David Molyneux MBE has reached out to the EA to understand the funding disparities between the Wigan and Oxfordshire sites.
Verbatim Quotes
- "It's put stress on our family, our mental health isn't great. It's like being separated parents." — Nicha Rowson, Resident
- "I can't keep saying, 'oh soon it'll be cleared up' because it isn't." — Nicha Rowson, Resident
- "My message to the Environment Agency is to stop thinking about the money and passing the buck." — Nicha Rowson, Resident
- "The council understands the difficulties that residents living close to the illegal waste site at Bolton House Road have endured." — Wigan Council Spokesperson
The situation in Bickershaw remains dire, with residents calling for urgent action to address the health and environmental risks posed by the illegal waste dump.
