News Summary
Mark Greenhalgh, a 64-year-old operator, has been prosecuted for illegally managing a waste site in Woburn Sands. His actions, including the improper storage and burning of hazardous materials, posed significant risks to public safety and the environment. Following a major blaze in August 2022, he pleaded guilty and was fined over £20,000. The incident has prompted local authorities to reassess waste management strategies and address ongoing fly-tipping issues through new facilities and initiatives.
Waste Site Operator Facing Justice for Hazardous Illegal Activities
In a startling turn of events, Mark Greenhalgh, age 64, has been prosecuted by the Environment Agency for unlawfully operating a waste site in Woburn Sands. The court proceedings revealed a shocking array of illegal activities, raising significant concerns about public safety and environmental integrity.
The Illegal Operations
Greenhalgh was found to be running a waste site without the necessary environmental permit, engaging in dangerous practices that included the burning of large volumes of hazardous materials. Among the waste was an alarming mix of asbestos, plastics, metals, wood, soft furnishings, vehicles, and even household appliances. His actions posed not only a significant risk to local residents but also threatened the surrounding ancient woodlands.
Between 2018 and 2023, the Environment Agency undertook multiple investigations at the site located near Bow Brickhill Road, where officers continually discovered improperly stored waste. The accumulation of such materials increased fire risks, leading to numerous emergency calls to local fire services. The site was effectively a ticking time bomb.
A Major Blaze
In August 2022, this concern came to a head when a significant fire broke out at the site, causing the fire service to deploy multiple pumps and utilize an astounding 800,000 liters of water to bring the flames under control. This incident underscored the urgent need for stricter regulation and enforcement of environmental laws.
Consequences for Greenhalgh
In the end, Greenhalgh pleaded guilty to two counts of waste crime at the Milton Keynes Magistrates’ Court. He was fined a total of £720, which included £360 for each charge. Additionally, he was ordered to pay a victim surcharge of £288, along with prosecution costs amounting to £19,856.23, bringing the grand total to a staggering £20,864. This case serves as a stark reminder of the legal repercussions awaiting those who dare to operate outside the bounds of the law.
Council’s Waste Management Plans
The incident at Greenhalgh’s site has prompted Milton Keynes City Council to reassess its waste management strategies amid ongoing illegal activities, including fly-tipping. The council plans to close three existing recycling centers, replacing them with two modern facilities in Wolverton and Snelshall, set to open in 2026 and 2028 respectively. These new sites aim to address current infrastructural deficiencies that have been described as a “critical investment juncture.” The focus will be on enhancing accessibility, improving signage, and efficiently separating different types of traffic.
The planned Wolverton site will be situated near a waste recovery facility undergoing conversion into an Eco Park, symbolizing a move toward a more sustainable future. Meanwhile, the interim Labour cabinet member has highlighted the urgent need for modern and environmentally friendly reuse and recycling centers to combat the long-standing waste issues in the area.
Combatting Fly-Tipping
Furthermore, Milton Keynes has taken a proactive approach to tackle fly-tipping, an act that has seen a 19% reduction year-on-year due to the introduction of CCTV in identified hotspots. This measure has already led the Environmental Crime team to issue fixed penalty notices totaling £500 based on recorded evidence. In the past year, the council has issued 129 fixed penalty notices for various waste crimes, of which 53 were directly linked to fly-tipping incidents.
Future Waste Management Contracts
As part of an overhaul of its waste collection services, Milton Keynes City Council has awarded a new contract to SUEZ Recycling and Recovery UK Ltd. Starting in September 2023, the company will manage waste collection and street cleaning, introducing wheelie bins to approximately 119,000 households following a community consultation that indicated strong public support for this move. With the city producing roughly 121,000 tonnes of household waste and recycling annually, the implementation of new services represents an opportunity to boost the current 52% recycling rate.
As these changes unfold, residents of Milton Keynes can look forward to cleaner streets, more efficient waste collection, and a concerted effort to combat illegal waste disposal. The city’s ongoing initiatives signify a commitment to safeguarding communities and preserving the environment for future generations.
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