Dumping continues at Heywood farm

Three years since residents first raised concerns about dumping at Collop Gate farm in Heywood the problem continues.

Last weekend piles of logs and a large low loader trailer were left in front of the farm, adding to the tons of road scalings, demolition rubble and pallets of bricks that are already on the site.

The farm land is classified as agricultural land by the Council, which makes the dumping illegal, and now residents want the council to do more to punish the land owners, PGC Demolition and Skip Co.

Dave Logan, from Lenten Grove, said: "Several local residents have spoken with the appropriate departments in RMBC and it has been suggested that RMBC will issue a personal injunction against the perpetrators to stop this happening in any and all other areas of Rochdale.

"This could be backed up by RMBC taking the responsibility to remove everything illegally dumped and return the land to its original agricultural state, then charging the perpetrator. If the bill is not met, appropriating the farm and any other assets, selling them to meet the costs.

"This could also be done at the other sites where there is a similar problem with this company in the borough. So why has this more stringent action not been taken?"

A spokesman for Rochdale Council said that the matter was in hand and that prosecution was likely against the land owners, with the possibility of future action in the form of enforcement notices.

However, angry residents and Heywood Councillors said that something needs doing now.

Mr Logan continued: "It has been three years. How much time does the Council need? This company is laughing at us and sticking two fingers up at the law. The council should do something now - we have waited for three years."