An enormous pile of illegally dumped rubbish, stretching 80 feet in length, blocked Watery Lane near Lichfield, Staffordshire, trapping residents in their homes and hindering access to a nearby retail park. The waste, suspected to have originated from a construction site, was 10 feet high and 20 feet wide, obstructing the entire width of the lane. Nine homeowners and 30 businesses were affected by the blockage, with police eventually closing off the lane for safety. Residents had to use an alternative route to leave and enter their properties.
Elaine Hutchings, owner of a livery yard on the lane, described the situation as “unbelievable,” emphasizing the massive scale of the rubble blocking the lane. She noted that the waste included plastic tubing, road barriers, and other debris typical of a construction site. This level of fly-tipping was unprecedented in the area, causing significant disruptions to local businesses.
One such business affected was Thyme Kitchen restaurant at the Curborough Countryside Centre, which had to close due to the blockage. Owner Beth Toovey expressed the challenges faced in informing booked guests of the closure and the impact on their 25 employees. The waste removal process required coordination between multiple agencies, delaying the restaurant’s reopening.
Lichfield District Council confirmed plans to clear the waste promptly, with contractors scheduled to start work early the next day. They also involved the Environment Agency to address the significant fly-tipping incident. Staffordshire Police responded to the reports of waste on Watery Lane and were coordinating efforts with other authorities to manage the situation effectively.
– In a notable turn of events, law enforcement officials have cordoned off a vital road, prompting the closure of access points through Eastern Avenue and Wood End Lane. The Lichfield district council has been duly informed of the situation.
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