The Environment Agency has stepped in after residents noticed a “disgusting smell” coming from the site.
It is located off Midland Road in Manningham, between a railway line and Bradford City’s ground.
It is not clear who owns the land, but investigators are following up “several lines of enquiry” to track down those responsible, and are also “working to trace the landowner” to properly secure the site.
We are deeply appalled
In a joint statement, Manningham’s Independent councillors, Councillor Muhammed Ali Islam, Councillor Muhammad Haseeb Khan and Councillor Mohammed Saliss, said: “We are deeply appalled by reports of what appears to be a large-scale illegal waste dumping site in Manningham, close to Bradford City’s ground.
The suspected illegal waste site can be found off Midland Road, Bradford (Image: T&A)
“This is completely unacceptable and represents a blatant disregard for our community and the environment.
“Manningham is a proud and vibrant ward at the heart of Bradford.
“We will not tolerate anyone treating our community as a dumping ground.
“Illegal waste dumping, in any form or on any scale, has no place in Manningham.
“Following reports from local residents earlier this week, the matter was immediately referred to the Environment Agency’s enforcement team.
The suspected illegal waste site can be found off Midland Road, Bradford (Image: T&A)
“We are aware of the ongoing investigation and sincerely hope those responsible are identified, prosecuted where appropriate, and held fully accountable for their actions.”
The councillors said early reports suggest that HGVs travelled into Manningham from outside the area to dispose of the waste.
The area’s three councillors at the site (Image: T&A)
They described the dumping as “organised” and “even more disgraceful” if confirmed.
They called for stronger deterrents and tougher enforcement to prevent environmental criminals from avoiding “serious consequences” and insisted that residents should not bear the financial burden of cleaning up the site.
The suspected illegal waste site can be found off Midland Road, Bradford (Image: T&A)
A pungent smell descends on the area
A resident, who wishes to remain anonymous, described how the site came to the community’s attention.
The resident said: “This issue came to light when we had the recent heatwave and the local area was overcome by a disgusting smell of rotten foods and waste.
“We were not able to leave windows or doors open due to the disgusting and pungent smell.
The area’s three councillors at the site (Image: T&A)
“It was only after many of the local residents were discussing this issue it was highlighted that many of them had seen trucks entering a parcel of land on Midland Road that has been locked for many years during the early mornings and evening which I felt was very strange.”
The resident decided to investigate and found a excavator moving large bags of waste on the site.
The suspected illegal waste site can be found off Midland Road, Bradford (Image: Anon)
The resident said: “I walk daily along this road so decided to try and look over the wall to see what was being done on the land as there were no signs for any business at the gate.
“I was able to catch a glimpse as it’s a big wall with a huge drop and vegetation on the other side and saw a excavator moving around huge black bags of waste.
“There was a arctic trailer as well as some sort of incinerator.
“That same evening I saw a removal truck outside the premises waiting to access the property, it was also being discussed on a local community group and pictures and videos were taken. These were uploaded to the group and the excavator was removed from the site.
“The smell and waste is still there and this needs to be dealt with immediately now.”
The suspected illegal waste site can be found off Midland Road, Bradford (Image: T&A)
The councillors said they will continue to work alongside Bradford Council, the Environment Agency and other partners to support the investigation.
They pledged to ensure the waste is removed and those responsible are brought to justice.
The councillors also expressed strong appreciation for the residents who raised the alarm, praising their “vigilance, public spirit and commitment” to the community.
They said it demonstrated the “immense pride that people have in Manningham.”
A spokesperson for the Environment Agency confirmed it had launched an investigation into “the illegal dumping of waste” on land in Bradford.
The spokesperson said: “Reports were received on Wednesday, July 1 about the illegal waste site on land at Midland Road.
“Officers attended and estimated multiple tonnes of mixed household and commercial waste has been dumped.
“They are following up several lines of enquiry to track down those responsible, and working to trace the landowner to ensure the site is properly secured.
The area’s three councillors at the site (Image: T&A)
“They’re also working with partners at Bradford Council, West Yorkshire Police and West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.
“The Environment Agency is also appealing for information from the public.”
Ben Hocking, Area Environment Manager at the Environment Agency, said: “We have launched an investigation to find those responsible for illegal waste dumping in central Bradford so they can be held to account.
“We are assessing the site’s environmental impact and making enquiries to trace the landowner to ensure the site is secured.
“Waste crime scars communities and under our 10 Point Plan we’re acting quickly to tackle illegal activity and shut down sites.”
What the Council said
Cllr Ian Walker, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Neighbourhoods and Communities said: “We have been made aware of an illegal waste site on private land along Midland Road. The Environment Agency are now leading a partnership response to investigate and determine next steps, and the Council will be supporting them as part of that.
“This is organised criminality operating on a commercial scale. As such, the site is a crime scene and will need to be investigated to gather evidence and determine the nature of waste materials. Any risks will need to be identified and mitigated before any further action can be taken. There is not currently a clear timetable of how long this will take.
“The site is being monitored, but anyone with concerns or information should contact the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60
“Any incident of fly tipping is disrespectful and damaging to the local community and the environment. Illegal waste dumping on this scale is unforgiveable, and we will work with partners to ensure that those responsible are held to account.”
Due to the proximity of the site to the football stadium and railway line, the T&A also contacted Network Rail and Bradford City AFC for comment.