Four Men Arrested for Illegal Waste Dumping at Notorious Wigan Location

Four individuals have been apprehended as part of a continuing investigation into the extensive illegal disposal of waste at the infamous Bolton House Road site in Wigan, as announced by the Environment Agency on Tuesday, 4 August 2026.

This site has been a source of distress for local residents, who have reported unbearable odours, and it was the site of a week-long fire last summer that forced nearby schools to close.

Arrests Made in Connection with Environmental Offences

Officers from Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and West Yorkshire Police, collaborating with the Environment Agency, have arrested the suspects on charges related to environmental crimes, fraud, and money laundering. The individuals detained include:

• A 41-year-old man from Wigan
• A 35-year-old man from Wigan
• A 24-year-old man from Leeds
• A 59-year-old man from Liverpool

Notably, the 24-year-old from Leeds was also arrested for his involvement in waste dumping at the Cave’s Inn Pits Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) located near Shawell in Leicestershire.

The investigation is spearheaded by the Environment Agency’s National Environmental Crime Unit, which aims to identify and hold accountable those responsible for these environmental violations.

Community Concerns and Official Responses

Sue Longstone, Director of Operations for the North at the Environment Agency, expressed her outrage, stating, “The illegal dumping at Bolton House Road and Cave’s Inn Pits are atrocious attacks on our communities, and we share the public’s utter disgust at these horrendous crimes.” She highlighted that the recent arrests are a critical step towards gathering further evidence and advancing the investigation.

Prime Minister Andy Burnham also voiced his concerns, stating, “I have stood on Bolton House Road and seen what local people have had to live with. It is shocking – an ocean of rubbish piled up next to a primary school, and families unable to escape the smell in their own homes.” He emphasised that this situation transcends typical fly-tipping, labelling it as organised crime that severely impacts local communities.

Government’s Commitment to Combat Waste Crime

Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle condemned the illegal dumping, stating, “The appalling dumping of waste at Bolton House Road and Cave’s Inn Pits represents a blatant disregard for local communities and the environment.” She affirmed that addressing waste crime remains a top priority, and the recent arrests mark a significant step towards achieving justice for residents in Wigan and Shawell.

The government aims to take a zero-tolerance stance towards waste crime. Through its Waste Crime Action Plan, it has committed to providing regulators and enforcement agencies with the necessary powers and resources to dismantle criminal operations and ensure accountability for the resulting damage.

Ongoing Investigations and Community Support

In May, another arrest was made when a 58-year-old man from Birmingham was detained for illegal dumping at the Bolton House Road site. These arrests further support the execution of the government’s Waste Crime Action Plan, which focuses on tougher enforcement measures and enhanced powers for regulators.

In a bid to restore pride in local communities, the government has announced it will directly fund the clean-up of the Bolton House Road site in Wigan. Collaborating with the local council, efforts are underway to hire a specialist contractor to manage the clean-up operation.

In the meantime, measures have been instituted to prevent any further illegal waste dumping at the site, including the placement of concrete blocks at its entrance by the local authority. Wigan Council is actively seeking a specialist contractor to facilitate the clean-up, having received assurances of the necessary funding.

Assessing Environmental Impact at Cave’s Inn Pits

At the Cave’s Inn Pits site in Leicestershire, waste criminals have reportedly dumped approximately 30,000 tonnes of shredded waste, layered with soil. In conjunction with the ongoing criminal investigation, the Environment Agency is evaluating the waste to mitigate any potential environmental impacts and is monitoring air and water quality in the vicinity.

In March, the Environment Agency unveiled its 10 Point Plan for tackling waste crime, which outlines strategies for proactive intervention against illegal activities and aims for more consistent enforcement.

During the 2024/25 period, the Environment Agency, in collaboration with partners, successfully halted 743 illegal waste sites operating without permits, conducted 37 operations resulting in 40 arrests through the Joint Unit for Waste Crime, and undertook 21 money laundering investigations.

Members of the public are encouraged to report any information related to waste crime via the Environment Agency’s 24-hour incident hotline at 0800 807060 or anonymously through Crimestoppers.