Worcestershire field investigated over medical waste dumping claims

Land that borders a protected nature site is being investigated over claims it is being used as an illegal site to dump medical waste.

The Environment Agency (EA) said it was investigating the site off Mill Lane, near Wadborough, in Worcestershire. The land is near Great Blaythorn Meadow, which is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

A resident in the area, who asked not to be named, told the BBC a muck spreader, which are normally used to distribute farmyard manure, had been used to spread medical waste.

The EA said it was investigating alongside West Mercia Police, Wychavon District Council and Worcestershire County Council.

An EA spokesperson said: “Waste crime scars communities and the environment and, in line with our 10-point plan, we’re acting quickly to tackle illegal activity.”

The resident said they were concerned by how close the site was in relation to Great Blaythorn Meadow, which Natural England lists as an SSSI. , external

Natural England considers the land special for its biological interest, specifically wanting to protect its rare lowland meadow and grassland habitat.