Eyesore: Large scale fly-tipping in rural Cheshire (photo credit: Cheshire Police)
CHESHIRE Police have been working with the Environment Agency to tackle fly-tipping on an industrial scale in a rural area between Congleton and Macclesfield.
Members of the force’s rural crime team attended a dirt track following information they had received
On arrival they discovered a large HGV surrounded by approximately 200 tonnes of waste.
Officers seized the truck, which was carrying 35 tonnes of waste, and the driver voluntarily attended the local police station to be interviewed under caution.
Following the operation in mid-August police said enquiries were continuing with the team and the Environment Agency.
PC Rob Stordy from the Rural Crime Team said: “Waste crime is just one of many crimes affecting our rural neighbours and the negative impact it has on the community should not be underestimated.
“That’s why our team works with the likes of the Environment Agency to tackle the issue.
“Criminals are very much mistaken if they think it isn’t an issue we take seriously – our team is always committed to finding those responsible and in doing so making Cheshire a no go area for criminals who are not only a blight on our countryside, but a danger to our environment.
Jeni Brittlebank, Environment Agency enforcement lead for Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Cheshire, said: “The Environment Agency is committed to tackling waste crime and will take strong action against those who break the law, to protect communities and the environment.
“While results such as this reflect the tough action we take our work does not stop here. We are working in partnership across the North West to fight waste crime and bring those responsible to justice.”