A toxic waste mountain that has stood tall for over two years is casting a long shadow over the upcoming Makerfield by-election. In the village of Bickershaw, Wigan, the 25,000-tonne behemoth looms menacingly close to a local primary school, its presence a stark reminder of the perceived disconnect between North and South. For residents, the illegal dump is more than just an environmental hazard - it's a symbol of a system in disarray.
The scale of the problem in Bickershaw is all too evident. Unlike many illicit dumps hidden away in secluded areas, this one sits at the heart of a community, affecting daily life in ways that are both immediate and profound. Last summer's blaze lasted nine harrowing days, forcing the school to close its doors and prompting residents to stay indoors to escape the toxic fumes.
The Bickershaw dump has become a focal point for local anger, fuelled by the perception that authorities respond differently in the North compared to the South. Many point to an illegal dump discovered in Kidlington, Oxfordshire, last year as evidence of this disparity. Following parliamentary intervention, millions of pounds were committed to clearing that site at taxpayer expense - a move that contrasts sharply with the Environment Agency's (EA) usual practice of pursuing criminal gangs and landowners for cleanup costs.
The failure to clear the Bickershaw dump has made it a central issue in the Makerfield by-election. Candidates are acutely aware of local discontent, with many acknowledging the need for swift action. Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, seeking to retain the seat for Labour, has highlighted the issue in his campaign materials and engaged directly with residents.
Nicha Rowson, a beautician from Bickershaw, encapsulates the frustration felt by many locals: 'This situation shows just how much we're forgotten when it comes to tackling waste crime. It's clear that when it happens in the North, things move at a glacial pace.' The contrast with the swift response in Oxfordshire after a similar fire risk has left many residents questioning whether national authorities truly care about their concerns.
Source: The Guardian