Evidence uncovered in huge pile of flytipped waste

Investigators searching for culprits who illegally dumped a huge pile of waste on a rural Staffordshire road say inquiries are "pointing in one direction".

"We've found a fair bit of evidence in there," environmental protection manager Jack Twomey said, confirming they were following several leads in the inquiry.

"As the waste is being removed, we've been going in there and trying to search through the core of the waste to see if we can find more."

The mountain of rubbish was discovered at about 06:00 GMT on Monday on Watery Lane in Lichfield, leaving residents cut off and business owners unable to reach their premises.

Construction of a housing estate at the other end of Watery Lane was already causing access problems.

Lichfield District Council said it will find the culprits and hold them responsible for the flytipping, which had appeared overnight.

Under section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, people convicted of the offence face an unlimited fine and, in serious cases, a jail sentence.

Speaking on Monday, councillor Phil Whitehouse, cabinet member in charge of waste, said he had been "completely shocked" by the amount dumped and that it appeared to have been a calculated operation.

Business owner Natalie Farkas told the BBC the illegal dumping had blocked firms' only access to their premises, exacerbating problems caused by the existing road closures.

Companies have lost two days of trade as a result of the flytipping, she said.

The firms had already seen trade drop by about 40%, because of the ongoing disruption caused by the housing estate's construction.

"It's just been unbearable" she said. "I've been trading for 30 years and this is the most stressful it's ever been," said Ms Farkas.

"I've been through four recessions and I've always managed to keep my head in and keep my business going."

Paul Shaw, managing director for Redrow Midlands, said the housing developer has offered to support the council with cleaning-up the illegal waste as well as supporting with future preventative measures.

The company has also temporarily opened an access road through their development for local residents and businesses.

Mr Shaw also said the part of Watery Lane closed because of the housing estate's construction, was due to reopen in April.

Contractors have been on-site since 07:00 GMT, the council said.

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