Work to clear the encampment began in early April after those occupying the site vacated. Due to the significant quantity and nature of the waste left behind, Herefordshire Council employed specialist contractors to carry out the operation in stages and in line with environmental regulations.

Items removed from the site included tyres, mattresses, gas canisters, gas appliances, carpet tiles, plastics, rubble, abandoned caravans and vehicles, as well as materials containing asbestos, which required additional specialist handling and disposal.

The total cost of the clearance and restoration of the site was approximately £150,000.

Once the waste had been removed, the land was made safe and restored. Concrete blocks have been installed at the entrance to help prevent further unauthorised encampment and dumping.

Throughout the works, an ecologist was present on site to help minimise disruption to local wildlife, including nesting birds.

Herefordshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Roads and Regulatory Services, Cllr Barry Durkin, said:

“Completing the clearance and restoration of this site is an important step for the local area and for everyone in the community who has been affected by the issues associated with the encampment.

“This was a large and complex operation involving the safe removal of significant amounts of waste and hazardous materials. I would like to thank the Council teams and contractors involved for their hard work throughout the clean-up, as well as the local community for its patience and support while this work was carried out.

“We have also taken steps to help protect the land from further unauthorised access in future.”

The Council’s Community Protection Team is continuing to investigate this specific incident to establish whether any fly-tipping or duty of care offences can be attributed to individuals involved in the dumping of waste at the site.

Alongside this, Herefordshire Council is continuing its Duty of Care campaign, reminding residents and businesses to dispose of waste safely using licensed carriers and legal disposal methods.

Find out more about how to dispose of waste here: Waste disposal responsibilities - Herefordshire Council.