Work starts at illegal waste site following appointment of main contractor

Work starts at illegal waste site following appointment of main contractor

The illegal waste site at Bolton House Road

Acumen Waste Service Limited have started preparatory works to remove the illegally deposited waste at Bolton House Road. 

Following a robust tender process, Wigan Council announced that it had chosen Acumen as its preferred contractor last month, with contracts now officially signed after a compulsory standstill period. 

Acumen is bringing in equipment and clearing vegetation at the Bickershaw site to allow waste to start being removed in the coming weeks. 

Councillor Nazia Rehman, Leader of Wigan Council, said: “The contract signing and mobilisation at Bolton House Road is a clear sign of progress and a significant moment for the community who have had to deal with the impact of the illegal waste site. 

“Reaching this stage also demonstrates the commitment of the council and partners to deliver the necessary framework for waste clearance, but our work does not stop here. 

“We will continue to work with residents to ensure their voice is heard in the future of the site and will continue to support the Environment Agency’s criminal investigation to make sure those responsible are held accountable for the damage and distress they have caused.” 

Following a major fire at the illegal waste site in July 2025, a multi-agency partnership was formed to manage the site, prevent further waste dumping, and minimise risks to residents and the environment. 

Partners including the Environment Agency, UK Health Security Agency, DEFRA, United Utilities, Greater Manchester Police and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service have also worked to prepare for the safe removal of waste and identify disposal routes, whilst independent organisations have sampled the site’s waste, water, and odour. 

Once government funding was secured, Wigan Council has led a unique procurement process to move forward with waste removal. This approach was agreed by the multi-agency group to ensure that local residents remained at the heart of decision-making. 

Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle said: "We are taking decisive action in Wigan Borough to clean up this horrendous site and hunt down the criminals who left local residents to deal with the consequences.  

"After years of waste crime being allowed to fester, our specially trained officers are targeting the organised gangs that fuel it, making over 30 arrests since April, and delivering justice for communities across the country.”