Government could clean up huge illegal waste dump

An MP has said the government could clean up one of the country's largest illegal waste sites which has been giving off a "foul" stink for almost a year.

The field just off junction 4 of the M57 in Kirkby, Knowsley, Merseyside, contains about 30,000 tonnes of heavy duty rubbish.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) understands none of the rubbish has been removed from the site since it was discovered in late 2025.

Knowsley MP Anneliese Midgley has described the dumped waste as "utterly shocking" and an "organised crime activity".

The Labour MP confirmed on her X account earlier that the Kirkby site will be considered for government intervention.

She posted: "Last week, I organised a meeting with Angela Eagle (Secretary of State for Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

"The [Secretary of State] agreed to consider the case for clearing it alongside the worst sites."

Knowsley Council issued an update on the level of 'hazardous' waste found at the Kirkby site on 27 October.

A spokesperson said: "The Environment Agency (EA) are the body responsible for assessing the environmental risks of this site.

"The results of their sampling have been shared with the council only in the past few days, and show that the waste comprises a mixed range of materials, including plastics, wood, paper, textiles, metals, glass and other inert materials.

"As would be expected for a large mixed waste deposit like this, some materials have been classified as hazardous under waste classification rules, primarily due to the presence of oils and certain metals.

"[EA] have informed us that the results of their sampling do not indicate any direct risk to nearby residents.

"Further testing, including water sampling, is due to take place and the site is being regularly monitored."

Midgley said she also wanted to see a dump at nearby Simonswood dealt with "once and for all".

For years the "Simonswood Stink" has also been blighting residents in Knowsley and on the border of Bickerstaffe, West Lancashire.

A "rotten egg" and "sewage" stink has been a long-term issue for residents in the area, with numerous complaints submitted to the EA.

The EA officially revoked the environmental permit of Windmill Services Ltd, the company operating on the site, and shut the tip down on 23 March.

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