Illegal Peterlee waste dump closed down after action by the Environment Agency
An investigation has started after an illegal waste dump was uncovered.
The former Dewhirst site in Peterlee’s Thorpe Road – containing an estimated 400 tonnes of rubbish – now has concrete blocks restricting access to it following action by the Environment Agency.
Another illegal dump at Hart Quarry, in Hartlepool, and a third at Callerton, near Newcastle Airport, are also now closed.
The agency is now working with landowners to clear the mounds of shredded household rubbish and is investigating who is responsible for dumping the waste.
Mark Rumble, environmental crime team leader at the Environment Agency, said: “We’ve taken quick action to block access to these sites to prevent further dumping and investigations are underway.
“Illegal waste sites are a blight on our communities and residents should not have to live next to eyesores and put up with the smells.”
Anyone with information about the sites can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or the agency on 0800 807060.