Dame Angela Eagle has welcomed the complete clearance of an illegal waste dump at Hoad’s Wood in Kent, where 39,500 tonnes of commercial waste have been removed.
The Environment Agency announced completion on 9 October. It led the operation, with Acumen Waste Services carrying out the clearance and more than 50 specialist workers involved.
The ancient woodland is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Waste had been piled up to 15 feet high in parts of the site before the dumping operation was stopped.
The environment secretary said the clearance formed part of the Government’s action against illegal waste sites and those responsible for them.
Attention now turns to the woodland’s recovery. Access will remain restricted to give the land and wildlife time to recover.
The Environment Agency, Joint Unit for Waste Crime and Kent Police are continuing their investigation. Three men have been arrested in connection with the site.
