Fly-tipping at a historic Civil War battlefield in Winwick, Warrington has sparked outrage among local residents.
The incident, discovered at the Hermitage Green heritage site, has prompted immediate action from the Winwick Litter Network and local authorities.
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“The flytipping that was discovered yesterday on the historic Civil War battlefield in Hermitage Green is a clear disrespect for our heritage and beautiful countryside,” said local Councillor Stuart Mann.
Enforcement officers from Warrington Borough Council have been alerted to the incident and are investigating the illegal waste dumping.
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The incident was discovered at the Hermitage Green heritage site
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Local volunteer groups have been working tirelessly to combat the area’s growing litter problem.
Just yesterday, the Woody Wombles and Winwick Litter Network collected over 60 bags of rubbish from littering hotspots around the community.
This cleanup came less than two weeks after their previous litter pick in the area.
“Every week the many incredible volunteer litter network teams of Warrington are out in all kinds of weather picking up the waste that others just selfishly discard,” Cllr Mann said.
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Enforcement officers from Warrington Borough Council have been alerted to the incident and are investigating the illegal waste dumping (not pictured)
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“Unfortunately and sadly these litter picks are becoming more and more necessary and frequent,” he added.
The growing litter problem comes as Warrington Borough Council prepares to vote on significant cuts to environmental services.
The proposed budget for 2024/25 includes a £95,000 reduction in environmental crime spending and a £65,000 cut to public bin provision across the town.
These cuts are part of a broader £30m savings package, which also includes a 4.98 per cent increase in council tax.
“I fear these cuts will only lead to even more incidents of littering and waste dumped on streets and fields,” Cllr Mann warned.
He expressed concern that volunteer networks might become “the first line of defence in the fight against littering.”
Despite the challenges, council enforcement officers have responded promptly to the incident.
“I have spoken to both the landowner and WBC enforcement, who I may add were fantastic when I called them to ask for help,” Cllr Mann said.
He specifically praised the enforcement officers, stating: “I don’t think they get the credit they often deserve so I would like to say thank you directly to them.”
The councillor expressed optimism about the cleanup efforts, noting: “I hope the rubbish will be moved within the next few days.”
Mann pledged to continue working with enforcement officers “to understand what more can be done to protect not only this location but all our open green spaces.”
