Businesses and locals near Westbrook Street, Grosvenor Street, and Gorton Street in Burnden say they have been battling an environmental and public safety crisis for months, with hazardous waste, crime, and fly-tipping spiralling out of control.
Despite the fact they have reportedly complained to the council, the Environment Agency, and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the site remains a “no-go zone for locals and workers”, with reports of drug paraphernalia, rotting waste, and vermin infestations.
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Business owner Adam Pope, who has submitted multiple formal complaints to the council, said the situation has only worsened over the past six months.
“Staff feel unsafe, and businesses are suffering, it’s a disaster zone, and nothing is being done.
“We’re within 100 metres of a £2 million office redevelopment.
“Major businesses like Audi, Costa, and Arnold Clarke operate nearby.
“How can investment in Bolton succeed when the council can’t even keep our streets clean and safe?”
Employees of nearby businesses have also raised concerns over workplace safety, with some saying they feel too unsafe to walk through the area due to reports of anti-social behaviour and drug activity.
The issue has also raised alarm over water pollution risks, as the waste site is close to local water sources, potentially breaching the Water Resources Act 1991.
Animal welfare groups are also concerned, with the Animal Trust veterinary centre next to the site, where dogs are reportedly being exposed to unsafe conditions.
He added: “Dogs visiting the veterinary centre are being exposed to all kinds of contaminated waste, rotting rubbish, and potential biohazards. The presence of drugs and vermin means there’s a serious risk of disease transmission.
“It’s completely unacceptable that a veterinary practice has to operate next to conditions like this.”
Mr Pope is now setting up a petition demanding an independent review into why the council has failed to allocate the necessary budget and resources to address this ongoing issue.
The petition calls for an external investigation into why resources have not been allocated to clear the waste and improve safety in the area, why those responsible for dumping hazardous materials have not been dealt with, and whether the council is meeting its legal obligations to protect public health and safety.
In response, a council spokesperson said: “The council is aware of fly-tipping in and around the Westbrook Street, Grosvenor Street, and Gorton Street area.
“Fly-tipping is a blight on communities, delivered by those less invested in the areas they choose to undertake this criminal activity in.
“The cost of investigating this issue and the clean-up is significant.
“The impact on the communities and businesses in the area is another heavy cost.
“Council officers have assessed the area and will be removing the waste as soon as possible.
“Any evidence identifying those responsible will be used as part of a prosecution.
“Fly-tipping will not be tolerated in Bolton and as part of the budget announced earlier this year, the environmental enforcement team is being expanded to address this problem.”
