Tag: Environment Agency

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 19 June 2026.

Weather whiplash continues as climate change brings increasingly volatile weather.

Just three months after the last drought officially ended, the parched conditions this spring have increased the risk of drought this summer. 

The National Drought Group met yesterday (Thurs 18th June) and heard that while water resources remain in a relatively healthy position following an exceptionally wet winter, some areas are already seeing the impacts of drier conditions. 

Spring has seen a marked north-south divide emerging, with Northern England receiving 90% of average rainfall in recent months compared to just 50% in Southern England. 

East Anglia is set to return to prolonged dry weather next week, while Devon & Cornwall are on a watchlist to also enter prolonged dry weather later in the summer. The late May heatwave – which brought six consecutive days above 30°C in some areas and a new May record high of 35.1°C in West London – has added to concerns if these conditions are repeated.  

As we mark the infamous drought of 1976, industry leaders at the drought group discussed the action being taken to prepare for summer. The Environment Agency is working with water companies on their drought plans and is actively monitoring water levels and rainfall patterns. 

National Drought Group chair and Director of Water at the Environment Agency, Helen Wakeham, said:  

We enter summer in a generally favourable position, but we can never be complacent ahead of those crucial drier months.   

Heatwaves will continue to be a concern as they can drive spikes in water demand, so we need to continue to work collaboratively to use our finite water wisely.   

While many of us enjoy the hot weather, we ask everyone to be mindful of their water use. Every drop saved leaves more available for farmers, our local rivers and wildlife.

The National Drought Group brings together the Met Office, government, regulators, water companies, the National Farmers’ Union, Canal & River Trust, anglers, hydrologists, and conservation experts to share intelligence on water resources, ongoing research, and preparations for future drought – working collectively to protect the country’s finite water supplies. 

The group noted the particular pressure prolonged dry weather places on the farming sector. Farmers have reported issues with the growth of spring crops and have had to begin irrigating earlier than normal because of the dry soils. The Environment Agency is working closely with farmers to understand and respond to their water needs, alongside longer-term work with government to build resilience in a changing climate. 

National Farmers’ Union Deputy President, Paul Tompkins, said: 

Food security depends on profitable farm businesses having reliable access to the water needed to produce food for the nation. Irrigation is vital for the growth of many crops.  

With current projections for summer water availability ranging from moderate to poor in parts of the country, it is essential that farmers and growers retain the flexibility within their licences to access water when it is available to sustain crop production. 

To safeguard our domestic food supply, we must build resilience to climate volatility. To secure farmers and growers’ access to water during shortages, they need enabling planning rules and regulatory reforms that support on-farm water storage, investment in water efficiency and innovation in more water-efficient crops and systems.

The public also has a vital role to play. Small changes at home can make a surprising difference – a leaking toilet alone can waste up to 400 litres a day, a similar amount to what most people use in three days. Simple measures like fitting a water butt, using the eco setting on dishwashers and washing machines, and installing a low-flow shower head all add up to meaningful savings that help keep rivers healthy and taps running.  

Met Office Head of Environment and Energy Sarah Davies said:  

The weather in recent months highlights the variability we can experience, with a notably dry spring followed by a much wetter start to June, and more settled, drier conditions returning more recently.  

Looking ahead to the rest of June and into July, the Met Office long range forecast suggests conditions are likely to remain widely dry and settled, with above average temperatures for many areas. However, there remains the potential for more changeable and unsettled periods at times.

Climate change means the risk of drought is increasing and the last decade alone has seen droughts in 2018/19, 2022 and 2025.   

This summer marks the 50th anniversary of England’s last severe drought, which resulted in widespread ecological devastation, crop failures, rota cuts and standpipes, plus a swarm of billions of starving ladybirds.    

Notes to editors 

DROUGHT AND CURRENT WATER RESOURCES  

• Most of the country was in drought or prolonged dry weather last summer. East Anglia moved to prolonged dry weather status in July 2025 and was the final area to move back to normal status in March 2026. Parts of the region (Cam & Ely Ouse, North-West Norfolk and North Norfolk catchments) will move into prolonged dry weather next week.  
• Devon & Cornwall are on a watchlist to also enter prolonged dry weather later in the summer. No areas are in drought.   
• The recent heatwave saw significant peaks in water demand, including some public supply outages.   
• Reservoir storage is currently 88.6% with chalk groundwater levels generally normal.  
• River flows are decreasing but around two-thirds are still around normal for this time of the year. However, the Burn, Yare, Ely Ouse and Cam in East Anglia are notably low. The River Till in Northumbria is exceptionally low.    
• The dry spring has seen an early start to the irrigation of crops in the east and south east with higher demand on farm irrigation reservoirs. There are also some concerns for non-irrigated crops, such as wheat and barley.  
• A dry and hot summer will increase the risk of a “flash drought” as experienced in the summer of 2022.   

WEATHER WHIPLASH  

• This year has been marked by weather whiplash. A wet start made way for a very dry spring, with just 65% of average rainfall across March, April and May.   
• However there has been a marked north-south split. Northern England saw 90% of average rainfall, compared to just 50% in Southern England.   
• The late May heatwave saw six consecutive days above 30C in some areas, including a new May record high of 35.1C in West London.   
• The three warmest springs on record for England now stand as 2024, 2025 and 2026. Nine of the ten warmest springs since 1884 have occurred in the last 20 years.  
• June has seen a return to wetter weather, with England seeing 89% of its average monthly rainfall already.   
• The UKHSA has issued an amber heat health alert issued for East of England, London, South East and the South West. Yellow heat health alert has also been issued for East Midlands and West Midlands.  

CURRENT AND FUTURE ACTIONS  

• Water companies are continuing to drive down leaks, and the Environment Agency is working closely with them to ensure they follow their drought plans.   
• The Environment Agency expects to see more focus on nature-based solutions, such as wetlands and catchment management, to help hold more water when it rains.    
• All National Drought Group members are embedding learnings from last year’s drought, which will help identify emerging drought risks earlier.   
• The Environment Agency has just updated its summer prospects for irrigation, with most of the country indicating moderate to good, but parts of East Anglia and West Midlands are projected to be moderate to poor in a dry summer.  
• The Environment Agency is working with abstractors to manage dry weather pressures. Abstractors are advised to contact the EA as soon as possible if they have any concerns and there is a wide range of support available to help improve resilience this summer and beyond.  
• After last year’s record-breaking temperature, we know many fishery owners are prepared to take action to protect fish from reduced oxygen levels.   
• A third round of Local Resource Option screening studies are now open until 5 July which are designed to support groups of farmers in identifying practical, local solutions to improve their long-term water resilience.

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 9 June 2026.

Surveillance cameras spot vehicles – five now prosecuted over village dumps.

A man and a woman have been fined and forced to pay legal costs after waste was dumped in a Norfolk village.

A van owned by Rebecca Simper was seen at 2 locations in Clenchwarton being watched by the Environment Agency. Meanwhile, Luke Webb’s white Ford Transit tipper truck was captured by covert cameras at one of the sites.

Simper admitted owning a vehicle used to dump waste at Kenfield Farm in January 2024, after being presented with footage from an Environment Agency drone camera. She later failed to respond to 4 notices requiring her to name the driver.

King’s Lynn magistrates fined her £200, ordering costs of £1,701.08, and a victim surcharge of £108.  

In a separate legal case, but linked to Simper’s by location, Webb was fined £200 by Norwich magistrates’ court for pleading guilty after his truck was caught on camera at Clockcase Road in April 2023.

He also failed to answer official notices requiring him to identify who was behind the wheel. The court awarded costs of £850 to the Environment Agency and an £80 victim surcharge against Webb.  

The Environment Agency had been watching both Clockcase Road and the farm since 2018 for signs of criminality. Clockcase Road includes 15 hectares of land close to the Great River Ouse, farmland and residential housing.

Last year, the Environment Agency prosecuted 2 other local men for dumping waste at Clockcase Road. Philip Moore, of West Winch, was fined £600, with costs and a victim surcharge of £1,014, while Fred Harris, of Swavesey, was given 100 hours of unpaid work and identical costs.

Phil Henderson, enforcement team leader for the Environment Agency in East Anglia, said:

We don’t have to prove the identity of the driver to bring prosecutions for waste crime. Vehicles registered to Luke Webb and Rebecca Simper were caught on camera at illegal waste sites. Like 2 men prosecuted over Clockcase Road last year, they have paid the penalty.

Waste crime blights communities. It harms the environment, with a devastating effect on rivers and wildlife.

The Environment Agency is ramping up the fight against waste criminals. Its 10-point plan includes making greater use of restriction notices to shut down illegal waste operations immediately. Ignoring a restriction notice could land someone a year in prison. 

More drone flights to track illegal waste sites, more specialist staff to pull apart organised crime gangs, and new tech to match lorry licences to waste permits will all help the Environment Agency spot dumps quicker, disrupt illegal activity sooner, and flag suspect operators before they can move waste illegally.   

Simper first came to the Environment Agency’s attention at Clockcase Road on 19 April 2023. Her Ford Luton van was seen there, despite a restriction order barring access.

It was a distinctive blue, with “MT Removals” written on the side. MT Removals was a trading name and not connected to any other company of the same or similar name.

DVLA checks prompted the Environment Agency to write to Simper to ask who was driving. They heard nothing back.

A week later, Luke Webb’s tipper truck with an open back covered by tarpaulin was seen on the land at Clockcase Road, with 2 men inside. When it was driven away, the tarpaulin was gone, with no load.

Having traced the truck to Webb, the Environment Agency wrote to him, asking who was driving that Sunday in late April. He didn’t reply.

Investigators wrote to Webb again twice more. Again, no response.

Webb failed to appear at court in July last year when charged with ignoring the notice, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Justice caught up with the 32-year-old when he surrendered to Norfolk Police last month, and was taken straight to court.                

In the first few weeks of 2024, 8 months after Simper’s van was seen at Clockcase Road, it was caught by a drone camera at Kenfield Farm.

A man and woman were seen unloading wood and other material, tossing it onto piles of waste already there. This was in breach of a stop notice issued two years previously that meant the dumping and burning of waste at the farm was illegal.     

Luke Webb, of Saddlebow Caravan Park, and Rebecca Simper, 42, of Saddlebow Road, both in Saddlebow, were charged with failing to provide the Environment Agency with information of the driver of their respective vehicles, contrary to section 71 (3) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990. One count against Webb; 2 against Simper.

She was also charged with controlling, or being in a position to control, her van at Kenfield Farm, to knowingly cause the dumping of controlled waste without an environmental permit, contrary to section 33(1) and (5) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.    

Last year, the Environment Agency prosecuted 2 other local men for dumping waste at Clockcase Road. Philip Moore, of West Winch, was fined £600, with costs and a victim surcharge of £1,014, while Fred Moore, of Swavesey, was given 100 hours of unpaid work and identical costs.

Another man, Danny Thorpe, is due to face trial in November for allegedly breaching a restriction order closing the land in Clockcase Road, and ignoring a stop notice at Kenfield Farm. He owns both. Thorpe was also charged with disposing of waste at the farm without a permit and likely to cause pollution or harm to human health.

Anyone who suspects waste crime can report it to the Environment Agency’s 24-hour incident hotline, 0800 807060, or to CrimeStoppers on 0800 555111.

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 19 May 2026.

The Environment Agency has secured a third conviction in relation to a major illegal waste site in Kingsteighton, South Devon, where thousands of tonnes of waste were dumped on a floodplain.

DTM Grab Hire Ltd has been ordered to pay £16,664 for its part in depositing the waste at the illegal site which was shut down by the Environment Agency in 2022.

The Environment Agency has now prosecuted the landowner of the site and two waste carriers as part of the investigation.

Plymouth Magistrates Court heard that DTM Grab Hire Ltd deposited 3,490 tonnes of soil, stones and road planings at the illegal site between 3 January 2021 and 11 September 2021. 

Following Thursday’s hearing, the company was fined £13,653, told to pay the Environment Agency’s costs of £2,821 and a victim surcharge, after pleading guilty to the illegal deposit of controlled waste. 

The landowner of the site in question, Christopher Garrett, was prosecuted in 2024  after repeatedly ignoring warnings from the Environment Agency. 

Another waste carrier, David Gorton, was fined last month for his contribution to the deposit of waste on the site. 

Thousands of tonnes of mixed construction and demolition waste was found at the premises. 

It is estimated it would cost at least £2.5 million to remediate the site, which sits on a flood plain. 

The deposits of waste would have significantly increased the flood risk in the area. 

Registered waste carriers have a duty of care to ensure that they know where they are sending their waste and take steps to ensure that their waste is handled by legal sites. 

An Environment Agency spokesperson said: 

We have now successfully prosecuted the landowner of this illegal site, plus two waste carriers who contributed to the deposit of soil and stone. 

Waste regulations are in place to protect people and the environment, and it is essential that all companies follow the rules. 

We will take enforcement action against anyone who transports, disposes or stores waste illegally.

Anyone who suspects illegal waste activity can report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 

The prosecution comes as the government yesterday announced major reforms to tighten the waste carriers regime, including stricter background checks and tougher sentences for those illegally dumping waste.

These changes are part of the government’s new Waste Crime Action Plan and the Environment Agency’s 10 Point Plan for ending waste crime.

Background 

DTM Grab Hire Ltd was charged with one offence: 

Between 3 January 2021 and 11 September 2021 on Land at Little Lindridge Farm, Kingsteignton, Newton Abbot, Devon you, DTM Grab Hire Ltd, deposited waste not under or to the extent authorised by an environmental permit, namely the deposit of excavation spoil consisting of soil, stones and road planings. Contrary to regulations 12(1)(a) and 38(1)(a) Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations 2016.

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 24 February 2026.

New surveillance, detection and investigative capabilities rolled out by Environment Agency to tackle waste crime.

Waste criminals will be detected and stopped before they even get started, thanks to a new package of surveillance and investigative measures announced by the Environment Agency (EA) today (Friday 20 February 2026).  

As part of a major crackdown on waste crime, an enhanced 33-strong drone squad will now track down illegal dumps from the air. The drones, some of which are being upgraded to carry laser mapping technology, will capture evidence to help secure successful prosecutions.  

The Environment Agency has also developed a new screening tool that enables EA officers to scan and cross-check lorry licence applications against waste permit records – with suspect operators flagged before they have a chance to move waste illegally. 

The new capabilities are backed by a reinforced Joint Unit for Waste Crime – now a 20-strong group of specialists working closely with law enforcement partners to dismantle organised criminal networks. This builds on a record year for waste enforcement, with 751 illegal waste sites shut down.  

Phil Davies, Head of the Joint Unit for Waste Crime Unit said: 

Illegal waste dumping is appalling, and we are determined to turn the tide on this heinous crime.  

With organised criminals becoming ever more sophisticated, we are adopting new technologies to find and, importantly, stop them. 

Through the greater use of drones, stronger partnerships and more officers on the ground, we will build on our action so far and send a clear message to those committing waste crimes – we will stop you.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said: 

This Government is aggressively pursuing waste criminals and bringing offenders to justice. 

By increasing the Environment Agency’s enforcement budget by over 50% to £15.6 million, we’re investing in cutting-edge technology that allows us to shut down illegal operators faster and more effectively. 

From advanced laser-mapping to drone surveillance and new vehicle-scanning tools, this technology is helping us track, expose and stop waste crime, ensuring those who blight our communities are held to account. 

Greater drone surveillance and Lidar mapping  

The Environment Agency has stepped up its use of drone surveillance, with a total of 33 trained pilots putting a greater focus on waste crime. Since July last year, the EA’s drones were in the air for 272 hours. 

Drones will soon be equipped with Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) technology, which fires millions of laser points per second towards the ground below to create highly detailed maps of illegal waste sites. 

Currently flown from a dedicated aircraft mainly to capture flood information, moving Lidar onto drones will allow even more precise mapping, pinpointing exactly where waste has been dumped. These maps can be used as evidence in court to and help bring waste criminals to justice.  

New screening scans Office of the Traffic Commissioner data  

Each week, the Office of the Traffic Commissioner publishes reports, listing all new applications for Heavy Goods Vehicle operator licences.  

New software checks those applications against the EA’s public register, identifying which operators hold waste permits and waste carrier licences. This enables EA officers to identify and target potential offenders before they begin operating.  

The new tool has already been trialled successfully in East Anglia, where it helped the agency uncover a waste company that had secretly relocated its HGV operations to evade enforcement. The software flagged the new operating centre within a week, allowing EA officers to intervene before a licence was approved.  

Recruiting more officers to the Joint Unit for Waste Crime  

The Environment Agency has also increased the size of the Joint Unit for Waste Crime from 13 to 20 specialists, including former police officers. 

Alongside EA enforcement officers across the country, the Unit brings together multiple organisations, including police forces and the National Crime Agency, to disrupt serious and organised waste crime. 

This builds on enforcement action taken by the EA up to March 2025, which included 221 prosecutions against waste criminals.

The press release issued by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on 12 February 2026.

Proposed sites include the first ever on the River Thames in London.

Communities across the country could soon benefit from thirteen new designated bathing spots, giving local people greater confidence to enjoy the rivers and beaches they cherish, Water Minister Emma Hardy announced today.   

The proposals include the first ever designated bathing spot on the River Thames in London, which marks a vast transformation in water quality across the river. From it being declared “biologically dead” in the 1950s – to now being a place of national pride.

New sites will see the nation’s total bathing spots increase to 464, helping more people benefit from safer local places to swim, spend time with family and connect with nature. It comes as the Government focuses on delivering improved water quality for swimmers across the country.  

After years of indifference towards bathing waters and very few sites designated throughout the 2010s, this Government has taken swift action to expand the number of bathing sites across the country and support water quality, with four in five bathing sites being rated as either ‘excellent’ or ‘good’. 

Local communities are being invited to have their say on proposals to designate 13 new bathing water sites, as part of a six-week public consultation. They include new rivers and coastal waters that are already popular with swimmers, reflecting growing public interest in outdoor swimming and connecting with local blue spaces. 

Being designated can also bring wider benefits for local areas – from boosting tourism to strengthening community pride in much-loved rivers and beaches.  

Water Minister Emma Hardy said: 

Rivers and beaches are at the heart of so many communities – where people come together, families make memories and swimmers of all ages feel the benefits of being outdoors safely.

Our plans to designate new bathing water sites show how we are backing local ambition and recognising the pride in places that matter most to people. 

This comes alongside this government’s generational reform of the water system, that will cut water pollution and clean up our rivers lakes and seas for good.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan said:

I am committed to improving water quality across the Thames and all of the capital’s waterways. Londoners from all backgrounds should be able to swim safely in the city and my upcoming Clean and Healthy Waterways Plan will create safe, welcoming spaces for all Londoners to enjoy.

It is great to see plans for the first ever designated bathing spot in the River Thames in London and progress being made in creating more sites for open water swimming, as we build a better, greener London for everyone.

Claire Robertson, Catchment Manager at environmental charity Thames21, said:

This is fantastic news not only for the many swimmers who enjoy these sites, but also for the wider community of river users and the wildlife that depend on a healthy river. Healthy rivers benefit everyone, and these designations mark important steps towards improving water quality and protecting precious stretches of the Thames.

The efforts of Thames21, its volunteers and partners made the proposal for Pangbourne Meadows possible. We are incredibly grateful to the dedicated citizen scientists for their hard work and commitment – we simply couldn’t have achieved it without them. We also extend our sincere thanks to all the individuals, councils and organisations who supported our application.

Other proposed sites would represent the first designated bathing waters in counties including Berkshire – in the area which inspired the Wind in the Willows; and Cheshire – where bathing traditions date back to the Romans. 

The consultation follows applications submitted in 2025 and forms part of the government’s wider commitment to empower communities to shape how their local environment is protected and enjoyed. It comes alongside planned reforms to modernise the bathing water system, ensuring it is fit for today and reflects how people use rivers and beaches. 

Following the consultation, the government will consider responses before confirming which sites will be designated ahead of the 2026 bathing water season. 

Last year, 93% of England’s bathing waters met acceptable standards for swimming. The government’s new Bathing Water Regulation reforms came into force on 21 November 2025, designed to change the ‘one size fits all’ approach and more closely reflect how people use our beaches, lakes and rivers.  

Notes to editors:

Designated Bathing Waters are regularly tested for water quality throughout the bathing season (15 May – 30 September).

The sites under consultation are: 

1. Little Shore, Amble, Northumberland, a crescent of sand between the River Coquet and the North Sea popular with locals 
2. Newton and Noss Creeks, Devon, a narrow tidal inlet just off the River Yealm in the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty 
3. Canvey Island Foreshore, Essex, a unique family favourite sandy beach.   
4. Sandgate Granville Parade Beach, Kent, shingle beach enjoyed by swimmers, and kayakers.  
5. Queen Elizabeth Gardens Salisbury, Wiltshire, one of Salisbury’s most cherished parks opened in the early 1960s to commemorate the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II 
6. East Beach at West Bay, Bridport, Dorset, filming location for the iconic ITV drama Broadchurch.  
7. Pangbourne Meadow, Berkshire, a meadow and river in the area that inspired The Wind in the Willows 
8. River Fowey in Lostwithiel, Cornwall, a scenic tidal river, flowing through the heart of the town 
9. River Swale in Richmond, Yorkshire, with dramatic waterfalls over limestone steps 
10. Falcon Meadow, Bungay, Suffolk, a riverside community space on the River Waveney 
11. River Thames at Ham and Kingston, Greater London, which could become London’s first river bathing site on the Thames 
12. New Brighton Beach (East), Merseyside, a sandy seaside resort at the mouth of the Mersey Estuary 
13. River Dee at Sandy Lane, Chester, Cheshire, a popular spot for families and water sports 

Building on action already taken to ban bonuses, secure record levels of investment and introduce tougher laws, the government is introducing generational reform in the water sector, aimed at tackling problems like sewage pollution before they occur. 

On water, the government has:  

• Passed the landmark Water (Special Measures) Act, introducing the toughest enforcement powers in a decade, including criminal liability for water bosses who cover up illegal sewage spills and the power to ban unfair bonuses, which in 2025 blocked £4 million pounds in bonuses across six water companies.   
• Ringfenced water company investment, ensuring customers’ money is spent on fixing pipes, reducing sewage spills and improving water quality, not dividends or bonuses.  
• Given the Environment Agency teeth, allowing the regulator to recover enforcement costs from polluters, significantly boost inspections, and issue penalties more quickly without having to direct resources to lengthy investigations.     
• Improved transparency, requiring real-time monitoring at every emergency overflow so the public can see what is happening in their local waters.   
• Boosted protections for customers, doubling compensation when basic water services fail and making it easier for vulnerable households to access bill support. 
• Signed into law a ban on the sale of plastic wet wipes, marking a major step forward in tackling plastic pollution which devastates our waterways.    
• Set out once-in-a-generation reforms in the White Paper, including plans for: 
• a new single water regulator, delivering tougher oversight and stronger accountability for water companies.   
• a new Chief Engineer role which will bring back the hands-on checks of water infrastructure. 
• an ‘MOT’ approach for water company infrastructure, requiring health checks on pipes, pumps and more 
• a roll-out of smart metering and mandatory efficiency labels on items like dishwashers and washing machines will help households monitor their water use and cut costs 
• Dedicated supervisory teams for each water company   
• Stronger inspection powers, including the new regulator able to conduct ‘no notice’ inspections   
• Stronger inspection powers, including the new regulator able to conduct ‘no notice’ inspections   
• These measures are underpinned by over £104 billion in private investment, to upgrade water infrastructure over the next five years – the largest programme since privatisation – creating jobs, supporting new homes and cutting pollution. 

Reforms to bathing waters include:  

• We’ve ended the old rule that automatically removed a bathing water’s status after five years of ‘Poor’ ratings in a row. Now, when a site is struggling regulators will look at the issues affecting the water quality and, where possible, work towards finding realistic options for improving it.    
• We’re bringing in more flexibility to monitoring dates – so that testing can be adapted to suit individual sites and better match when people actually use the water.   
• A third reform, which will look at new criteria for bathing waters, will come into force in May 2026 to allow guidance to be fully developed.

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 6 February 2026.

Multi-agency operation into suspected illegal waste dumping in Liverpool results in arrest and vehicle seizure.

An arrest has been made and heavy goods vehicle seized during an investigation into suspected illegal waste dumping in Merseyside.

On Monday 2 February, following allegations of illegal dumping, the Environment Agency joined forces with the Joint Unit for Waste Crime (JUWC) and Merseyside Police in the operation at an alleged illegal waste site in Liverpool.

Jennifer Brittlebank, Area Environment Manager for the Environment Agency, said:

We’ve taken immediate action following suspected illegal waste activity in Liverpool.

We share the public’s disgust with illegal dumping and the significant harm it causes to the environment and communities.

Waste crime will not be tolerated and we continue to work tirelessly with our partners to take action against those suspected of being involved.

Phil Davies, Joint Unit for Waste Crime manager, added:

This arrest is another fantastic example of the combined and co-ordinated law enforcement capabilities being used in the fight against waste crime.

We continue to work hard to protect communities and the environment, and we would encourage people to report incidents of waste crime and information about those who are responsible.

Merseyside Police Neighbourhood Inspector Michelle Ingram said:

It is pleasing to see this investigation progress with an arrest. Merseyside Police will continue to support our Environment Agency and local authority partners to tackle the harm caused by waste crime.

Expanding the Joint Unit for Waste Crime
The JUWC is hosted by the Environment Agency and involves 12 partner agencies. It has led or attended 361 multi-agency days of action, which resulted in 186 associated arrests by other agencies by September 2025.

The JUWC recently expanded, doubling in size increasing its resource and skillset to shut down serious and organised waste criminals. With experienced Environment Agency enforcement and investigation officers and ex-police officers bringing a wealth of crime-fighting knowledge and tactics.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information should report it to the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 11 December 2025.

The Environment Agency has already begun preparations to ensure the site is cleared as soon as possible.

Planning work has begun to clear the illegal waste dump in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, the Environment Agency has announced (Thursday 11 December).

New information regarding the likelihood and potential impact of a fire at the site means that an exceptional decision has been made to progress works to entirely clear the site of waste.

Following the appalling large-scale dumping of waste earlier in the summer, Environment Agency officers have been working round the clock to monitor the site, restrict access to prevent further dumping, install environmental safeguards and consider next steps to ensure the community is protected.

The Environment Agency is not legally responsible for clearing illegal waste, and is not funded to do so. While the organisation continues to support the principle that the criminals responsible should cover the costs of clearance, it retains the power to take action in wholly exceptional circumstances. 

Additional advice from the Fire and Rescue Services has indicated the possibility of a fire on site, which could have widespread impacts on the community, including closing the A34 major highway, raising air quality issues from the smoke, and interrupting electrical supplies.

The scale of this fire risk sets this case apart from other illegal waste dumps in England and presents an overriding public imperative. As such, preparatory works for clearance will begin imminently. Further details on the timeframe for clearance will be set out shortly.

Environment Agency chief executive Philip Duffy said:

The brazen criminality at Kidlington has appalled all of us at the Environment Agency. Our local teams have been at this site working with partners to reduce harm and minimise risks while we pursue those responsible.

This week, new information on the risk of fire was received from the Fire and Rescue Services and the Police and a decision made to clear the site as soon as possible on a wholly exceptional basis. The EA and our local partners are now working through the most effective way to manage this work.

We will update the public on progress with that as soon as we are able. We are determined that waste criminals will see justice for this serious offending.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said:

This site has been a blight on the community.

I’ve been in regular conversations with the Environment Agency and strongly welcome the decision to clear the site. I will continue working with them to make sure that those responsible pay for their crimes.

The Environment Agency expects to fund the clearance efforts through making efficiencies in its operations, without impacting or scaling back any of its other services. However it is not funded to clear up waste sites nationally and will only make these decisions under truly exceptional circumstances.

We will continue to work closely with local partners to manage the risks from the site and ensure the community is protected. Additional security measures have been installed and we are closely monitoring the location.

Further details will be set out in due course.

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 16 October 2025.

People warned not to be complacent about risk of flooding, despite continuing drought conditions in Midlands.

As part of Flood Action Week (13 – 19 October), millions across the country are being urged to know their flood risk and what to do in the event of flooding.

In the Midlands, the Environment Agency, Severn Trent Water and Telford & Wrekin Council have partnered up to share advice to help people get ‘flood ready’ for the winter ahead.

The organisations have put together their top tips for people at risk and a guide to ‘who does what’ in times of flooding.

While relevant organisations work closely on flooding impacts, members of the public can contact their local council for help on surface water flooding, their local water company on sewer flooding and the Environment Agency on major river flooding.

People are warned not to be complacent about the risk of flooding, despite much of the Midlands region still being in drought.

The dry conditions of recent months mean that the ground is hard and compacted, increasing the risk of localised surface water flooding.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said:

With a changing climate, the frequency and severity of flooding will only increase. That’s why it’s essential you know what to do in a flood.

By knowing what actions to take, you can reduce the effects on your home and family and even save lives.

We urge people to check if they are at risk and to sign up for Environment Agency warnings.

A spokesperson for Severn Trent Water said:

We know how upsetting flooding can be, and as we move into the colder months and the potential for heavy rainfall, we want to make sure our customers feel supported and informed.

That’s why we’re working in closely with the Environment Agency and local authorities to help communities stay safe and be prepared.

By sharing simple, practical advice to help protect your home, and making sure you know exactly who to contact, whether it’s flooding from roads, rivers or sewers, it’s vital that people contact the right organisation quickly so the right action can be taken.

By working together and making it easier to get the right help quickly, we can respond faster and ensure that you have the information and help you need, when you need it most.

Councillor Richard Overton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Highways, Housing and Enforcement at Telford & Wrekin Council said:

Flooding is a real and recurring risk in our area, with both river and surface water events becoming more frequent and unpredictable.

As a local authority, we’re not just raising awareness during Flood Action Week, we’re actively working year-round to improve drainage, maintain flood defences, and support residents.

This is through practical advice and resources which is why we continue to invest into tackling flooding in hot spot locations across the borough while providing support to residents and businesses.

We’re committed to helping our communities stay safe and resilient and Flood Action Week is a timely reminder for everyone to check their flood risk and take simple steps to protect their homes and families.

Who do I contact about flooding?

• For flooding on roads, small rivers and streams - you should contact your local council, this includes blocked drains or grates on highways. They will also help you with groundwater surface flooding, as well as flooding in streams, brooks and small rivers.
• For major river flooding - contact the Environment Agency to understand your level of flood risk, what work is being done to reduce flood risk in your area and advice on how to prepare for flooding. You can find more information and contact details on the Environment Agency  website. The Flood line number is 0345 988 1188.  
• For sewer flooding or flooding due to burst pipes - if the flooding is coming from the public sewer you will need Severn Trent Water. If the flooding is due to heavy rain, Severn Trent Water may need to wait for the flood water to subside before they can investigate. You should also contact your insurer so they can give you help and advice. 

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 15 October 2025.

The Environment Agency has successfully prosecuted a father and son for running an illegal scrap metal site in Irthlingborough, Northamptonshire.

• Environment Agency investigation ends in successful prosecution
• Defendants ignored advice and became uncooperative

At Northampton Crown Court on Friday 10 October 2025, Henry Thomas Allen, 73, and his son Lee Allen, 37, both of Station Road, Irthlingborough, both received prison sentences of six months suspended for 18 months.

This was on condition that they each undertake 15 Rehabilitation Activity Requirement Days. They were also ordered to pay £5,000 each in costs plus a victim surcharge of £128.

The guilty pleas, at a previous hearing, were for operating without an environmental permit and handling waste in a manner likely to cause pollution.

Site of concern

The court was told that the Environment Agency had designated a scrap metal business in Station Road as a site of concern for a number of years.

Located in the River Nene flood plain and without the correct sealed, foul drainage system the site contained large quantities of motor vehicle waste.

This included batteries, tyres, gas cannisters, fridges, freezers and motor vehicle fluids such as fuel, oil and battery acid. This was stored on bare ground without the correct, sealed, drainage system with a working interceptor.

The company was instructed to remove the unpermitted scrap metal on the land.

But the Environment Agency continued to receive complaints that new waste was being treated and stored.

Officers visited the site and on several occasions provided advice, guidance and support.

Environmental law

Sarah Dunne, the Environment Agency’s Solicitor Advocate, told the court that officers had made every effort to work with the Allens to bring the site into compliance with environmental law. This included guidance regarding the storage and treatment of motor vehicle waste.

However, in spite of this advice, the company continued to accept, deposit and store large quantities of waste metals including end-of-life vehicles. They also became uncooperative with Environment Agency officials.

After a court warrant was gained, Henry Allen was arrested with support from Northamptonshire Police. Drone images showed the scale of the waste on site.

Non-cooperation

The court was told that the father had a long history of non-cooperation with the Environment Agency. He had been served with a warning letter.

Though his son was made sole director of the company, the court was told this was nothing more than a paper exercise.

Sentencing both Allens, His Honour Judge Mayo said that their offending had crossed the custody threshold, that the risk of harm had been high and that they had undermined lawful waste operators. “If you breach the orders, it’s simple, there is a custodial sentence,” the judge said.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said:

We hope this case will send a clear message that we do not hesitate to take action to protect the environment and bring perpetrators to justice.   

These people operated the site without the required permit which, as well as undermining the regulatory regime, also had an impact on lawful waste operators.   

We are actively targeting illegal waste activities across Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire and the country.

Anyone who suspects a company is operating illegally can call the Environment Agency 24/7 on 0800 80 70 60 or report it anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Background

Businesses and householders should carry out checks to ensure that they are using legitimate companies to deal with their waste. 

To check if a waste carrier is genuine visit: Public Registers Online   

Environmental permits exist to ensure waste is handled safely and does not harm local residents or damage the natural environment

Charges

Henry Thomas Allen

1. Between 24 January 2021-24 February 2023 at Station Road, Irthlingborough, A6 Scrap Metals Ltd did keep controlled waste, namely end of life vehicles, scrap metals and mixed waste in a manner likely to cause pollution of the environment or harm to human health. And the offence was committed with the consent or connivance or attributable to neglect on the part of Henry Thomas Allen contrary to sections 33 (1) (c), 33 (6) and 157 (1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 as amended.
2. Between 24 January 2021-24 February 2023 at Station Road, Irthlingborough, A6 Scrap Metals Ltd operated a regulated facility, namely a waste operation for the deposit, treatment and storage of end of life vehicles, scrap metals and mixed waste, except under and to the extent authorised by environmental permit and the offence was committed with the consent or connivance or attributable to neglect on the part of Henry Thomas Allen contrary to sections 33 (1) (c), 33 (6) and 157 (1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 as amended.

Lee Allen

1. Between 24 January 2021-24 February 2023 at Station Road, Irthlingborough, A6 Scrap Metals Ltd did keep controlled waste, namely end of life vehicles, scrap metals and mixed waste in a manner likely to cause pollution of the environment or harm to human health. And the offence was committed with the consent or connivance or attributable to neglect on the part of Lee Allen contrary to sections 33 (1) (c), 33 (6) and 157 (1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 as amended.
2. Between 24 January 2021-24 February 2023 at Station Road, Irthlingborough, A6 Scrap Metals Ltd operated a regulated facility, namely a waste operation for the deposit, treatment and storage of end of life vehicles, scrap metals and mixed waste, except under and to the extent authorised by environmental permit and the offence was committed with the consent or connivance or attributable to neglect on the part of Lee Allen contrary to sections 33 (1) (c), 33 (6) and 157 (1) of the Environmental Protection Act 1990 as amended.

The press release issued by the Environment Agency on 1 September 2025.

MP for Rochdale, Paul Waugh, has viewed progress of the scheme during a site visit. Once complete, the scheme will better protect 337 homes and 185 businesses.

Work on the Littleborough Flood Risk Management Scheme continues to progress in 2025, with construction activity under way across key sites. The scheme is designed to reduce flood risk to homes, businesses, and community facilities that have been previously affected by severe flooding.

As part of his visit, Rochdale MP Paul Waugh toured several active construction areas and met with project staff to see first-hand how the scheme is developing.

He was shown the advancing works on the Gale West reservoir outlet structure, where the concrete outlet is taking shape and protective trash screens are being installed to maintain a steady flow of water and prevent blockages.

Mr Waugh also viewed the development of the new River Roch diversion, a channel designed to carry water from the existing river course into the reservoir once complete. Here, the construction of robust clay embankments along Greenvale Business Park and the railway line is also taking place, which will form the key boundaries of the reservoir and play a vital role in its long-term resilience.

Paul Waugh, Rochdale’s MP, said:

We know all too well in Rochdale and Littleborough the devastation caused by floods like the one we had in 2015.

So it was encouraging to see firsthand the progress made on this huge engineering project, which will protect so many homes and vital local businesses from future floods.

The EA team and VolkerStevin engineers explained the complexities of the project but also their commitment to try to protect local residents as much as possible from the noise of the works and the loss of amenities such as footpaths and trees.

Neil Johnson, Project Manager at the Environment Agency Said:

The Littleborough Flood Risk Management Scheme is making good progress and it was a pleasure to show Mr Waugh the latest construction works.

Once complete, the scheme will better protect homes and businesses in the area from flooding, while also improving resilience to future climate challenges.

For more information and updates on the scheme, visit the Flood Hub or download the Volker Engage app, which allows residents and businesses to receive regular construction updates and share feedback directly with the project team.