Blaze tackled at suspected illegal waste dump

Firefighters have been tackling a blaze at a suspected illegal waste dump close to the River Mersey in Greater Manchester.

Crews were called to the scene at 11:30 BST on Monday after reports that smoke had been coming from the site in woodland close to the Carrington Spur.

Helen Carr from Flixton, who walks her dogs in woodland nearby, said: "The smell is absolutely acrid and what I really worry about is things like builders' waste setting on fire, then releasing all sorts of chemicals into the air.

"Its criminal. There is just no need for people to be dumping waste like this, in this day and age. This is just sheer greed and laziness."

The 43 year-old added: "The type of rubbish being dumped used to be agricultural waste, but it now involves builders waste alongside household waste, with things like mattresses and fridge freezers.

"The waste has just being growing and growing and getting out of control."

In July, Ms Carr reported the waste to the Environment Agency (EA), which responded by saying they were aware of the site and has referred the case to the Area Enforcement Team.

In an email to Ms Carr, the EA said: "We take illegal waste offences seriously and will use the powers available to us to investigate and, where appropriate, take enforcement action against those responsible."

The burned waste at the site included several old mattresses, a fridge freezer, builders waste, car tyres, a cement mixer and wood panelling.

Parts of the site that were still smouldering reignited.

Firefighters were able to prevent the fire spreading.

Earlier this year, the BBC reported that hundreds of illegal dumps were operating across England, including at least 11 so-called "super sites" containing tens of thousands of tonnes of rubbish.

Most sites are in countryside locations, often hidden, and on what should be agricultural land.

Police say many are run by organised crime gangs, who are making cash by charging much less than legitimate operators to take and bury waste.

Earlier this year, a prolific waste criminal was ordered to pay £1.2m in compensation for illegally dumping more than 4,000 tonnes of waste across England.

Laura Clinton, who walks her dogs close to the River Mersey in Ashton Woods, said: "On several occasions, I've seen lorries coming here and dumping waste.

"Its appalling and something needs to be done about it."

A spokesperson for Trafford Council said: "We are aware of the fire on private land and we are supporting GMFRS in response to this.

"Fire is just one of the risks associated with unauthorised tipping and the council will work actively with partners to protect the environment and keep communities safe."

A spokesperson for the EA said: "We share the public's disgust at this case of illegal waste dumping and will do everything in our power to bring the people responsible to justice.

"A criminal investigation is underway, and we are working with the local council and other organisations on this."