Fly-tippers bury open land in mountain of waste
Local resident
Waste criminals have discarded a huge quantity of rubbish in a open space in Oxfordshire.
The "ecological disaster developing in public view" is around 150m (490ft) in length and 6m (20ft) tall.
The enormous mound has appeared in a open area next to the River Cherwell close to Kidlington.
Elected official raised the problem in parliament, stating it was "risking an environmental disaster".
Conservation group said the illegal waste site was established about a recently by an criminal network.
"This is an ecological disaster unfolding in public view.
"Daily that goes by increases the threat of hazardous run-off entering the aquatic network, polluting animals and putting at risk the wellbeing of the entire watershed.
"Regulatory bodies must act immediately, not in extended periods, which is their typical action timeframe."
Legal prohibition had been implemented by the environmental authorities.
It is hard to identify any particular bits of waste as it seems to have been pulverized with dirt combined.
A portion of the waste from the peak of the mound has collapsed and is now just five metres from the waterway.
The River Cherwell is a branch of the River Thames, which means it runs through Oxford before meeting the Thames.
Parliament TV
The representative asked the government for help to eliminate the illegal site before it triggered a fire or was carried into the water network.
Addressing MPs on recently, he said: "Criminals have discarded a massive amount of illegal polymer rubbish... weighing substantial weight, in my electoral area on a riverside area next to the River Cherwell.
"Water heights are rising and temperature readings demonstrate that the rubbish is also increasing in temperature, increasing the risk of fire.
"Environmental authorities reported it has restricted funding for enforcement, that the estimated expense of clearance is greater than the complete twelve-month allocation of the regional government."
Environment minister commented the government had inherited a struggling disposal business that had created an "epidemic of unlawful dumping".
She advised MPs the agency had implemented a access ban to halt additional access to the area.
In a announcement, the authority stated it was examining the situation and appealed for details.
It said: "We understand the community's concern about situations like this, which is why we respond against those responsible for illegal dumping."
A recently published investigation found efforts to combat serious waste crime have been "critically neglected" even though the problem developing into larger and more advanced.
A parliamentary committee suggested an separate "comprehensive" examination into how "endemic" environmental offenses is tackled.
