Unauthorised encampment clearance cost £150k

A "major clean up" operation costing £150,000 has now been completed at a former unauthorised encampment in Herefordshire, according to the council.

Work to clear the encampment, off the A49/A44 roundabout near Leominster, 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 clear the site. Items left behind included tyres, gas appliances, abandoned caravans and vehicles, as well as materials containing asbestos.

Herefordshire Council's cabinet member for Roads and Regulatory Services, Councillor Barry Durkin, said the clean up had been "large and complex".

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.

Durkin added: "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."

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