Illegal waste dump in northern England remains uncleared after 20 months, emerging as election issue

Failure to clear up rotting, rat-infested site is a key issue for local people as they weigh up politicians’ promises A mountain of rubbish sits behind a metal fence in the village of Bickershaw, where it has remained for more than 20 months.

First covered Jun 13, 2026 · 11:00 PM PT · 1 article · no longer in the live window

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57d Guardian Environment Illegal dump becomes ‘symbol of north-south divide’ at heart of Makerfield byelection — Failure to clear up rotting, rat-infested site is a key issue for local people as they weigh up politicians’ promises A mountain of rubbish sits behind a metal…

Appeared in: 2026-06-14 (#7)

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