Illegal waste dump on farmland site shut down

An illegal waste dump has been shut down after the Environment Agency (EA) blocked access.

A court order is now in place prohibiting anyone from importing waste on to the site at Hey Head Farm on Rochdale Road in Bacup, Lancashire.

The EA said the six-month Restriction Order was obtained following reports of "illegal activity".

A criminal investigation into illegal waste activity at the site continues, the EA said.

Access to the land is also prohibited, subject to certain exceptions.

Anyone breaching the order is committing a criminal offence.

John Neville, EA's area environment manager, said: "Illegal waste activity harms communities, damages the environment and undermines legitimate waste businesses.

"Where we find evidence of illegal activity, we will not hesitate to take enforcement action."

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.