Fires continue at illegal waste site, say locals

The site was purchased at auction in December 2024. Since early May, residents say they have observed lorries delivering demolition waste.

Rubbish continues to be dumped and burned at an illegal waste site, residents have said.

The field in the village of Sherington, Buckinghamshire, is at the centre of an investigation led by the Environment Agency (EA).

Earlier this month, a 40-year-old man from the village was arrested on suspicion of depositing controlled waste without an environmental permit.

Chris Curtis, the Labour MP for Milton Keynes North, said he remained concerned about the activity there.

Despite the arrest, local people say heavy machinery is still operating on the field, and several residents claim smoke was seen over the weekend.

People living in Water Lane, High Street and the Barwood estate have described an acrid smell lingering in the area.

One - who wished to remain anonymous - told the BBC that the odour was "extremely overpowering".

Residents say they have observed lorries delivering demolition waste, including hardcore and roofing panels, which some fear may contain asbestos.

They believe the operators are working during the evenings and weekends to avoid detection by authorities.

The Environment Agency said the area of land was an illegal waste site

Sherington Parish Council said it had been advised to continue monitoring lorry movements. A spokesperson said activity on the site had decreased but had not stopped entirely.

They added that there was "no visible fire" over the weekend.

Sherington resident Lucy - which is not her real name - said villagers had a "front-row seat watching various agencies pour resources into tackling problems caused by individuals who remain unidentified who continue breaching environmental laws".

The parish council said planning enforcement against the location of caravans parked at the site remained ongoing.

The parcel of land was bought at auction in December 2024.

Curtis said: "I remain concerned to hear from residents that this awful dumping and burning continues in Sherington.

"I have once again written to the EA for an update on what action is being taken – they must act now to stop this."

The EA and Thames Valley Police were approached for an update. Milton Keynes City Council said it was assisting the Environment Agency.