Wigan Council to appoint contractor to clear illegal waste site

Wigan Council to appoint contractor to clear illegal waste site

Wigan Council has announced that it intends to appoint Acumen Waste Services Limited to clear the illegal waste site at Bolton House Road in Bickershaw, subject to contract.

Over the past few weeks, the council has been leading the procurement process to find the most suitable contractor to clear the entire site, with applicants asked to explain how they will safely remove the waste and manage associated risks.

Following the robust tender process, Acumen Waste Services Limited has been chosen as the preferred contractor. There will now be a compulsory standstill period and the contract is expected to be signed in early October, with mobilisation to remove the waste planned to start in late October.

Councillor Paul Kenny, portfolio holder for planning, environmental services, and transport, said: “The scale of the illegal waste site at Bolton House Road has had a devastating impact on the local community, so I am delighted that we are now in a position to appoint a contractor and take this important step towards waste removal.

“The appointment is a significant milestone, but residents should have never been put into this position, and we will continue to support the Environment Agency’s criminal investigation to punish those responsible for this environmental destruction.”

Following an emergency response to a fire that broke out and lasted for several days in July 2025, a multi-agency partnership group was set up to manage the illegal waste site, prevent further waste deposits, and minimise the impact on the public and the environment.

This has included partners such as the Environment Agency (EA), the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), the Department for Environment, Food, and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), as well as other partners such as United Utilities (UU), Greater Manchester Police (GMP), and Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS).

The multi-agency group has also been working to ensure that all partners are fully prepared to move ahead with safe waste removal, with disposal routes identified and independent organisations sampling the site’s waste, water, and odour.

The council-led procurement process, starting once delivery of funds were confirmed by government, has been a unique approach to illegal waste removal. The decision for the council to lead this process, rather than the EA or DEFRA, was made by the multi-agency group to ensure that the community was at the heart of the decision making.

Environment Secretary Dame Angela Eagle said: "We are taking decisive action in Wigan to clean up this horrendous site. "The dumping of waste was sickening and showed a complete disregard for the local community. 

"After years of waste crime being allowed to fester, we are putting more officers on the frontline to stop waste crime and restore pride in our communities."

Caroline Berry, Area Environment Manager at the Environment Agency said: “We're pleased that a contractor has now been appointed to progress site clearance, marking a significant step in removing this blight from people's lives.

"We know the significant impact this illegal waste site has on this community and how devastating it is for residents who have lived with it on their doorstep for too long. Our focus remains on bringing those responsible for this atrocious crime to justice.”

Councillor Nazia Rehman, Leader of Wigan Council, added: “Despite the immense difficulties that the community living next to this dreadful waste site has experienced, I want to commend them for their support, resilience, and determination to get their voices heard.

“It is because of their determination that this illegal waste site is set to be cleared. We ensured that the community’s voice was heard throughout the procurement process and will continue to work with residents to see how the site could look post clearance, ensuring that the area can finally look forward to a cleaner, safer, future.”

Notes to Editors:

• The Environment Agency is continuing to lead a complex investigation into who is responsible for the illegal waste dumping at Bolton House Road, with five arrests made in connection with the site
• A closure order remains in place at Bolton House Road as well as a Restriction Order at the neighbouring Old Cricket Ground to prevent access
• Under the Procurement Act 2023, a mandatory standstill period lasts for eight working days. It begins on the day the contract award notice is published, giving unsuccessful bidders time to review scores, request feedback, and challenge the award decision before the contract becomes legally binding