Caravan dumped on unadopted road in borough

Residents say the circumstances of the incident are suspicious and have alerted the authorities.
By Andrew Nowell
Published 14th May 2021, 14:06 BST
Updated 14th May 2021, 15:33 BST
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Neighbours found the caravan had been dumped on the stretch of road between Devonshire Road and Oxford Road in Atherton on Friday.

The obstruction completely blocked the route.

Read More
Police hunt for danger driver called Lucifer after Wigan court no-show
The caravan blocking the unadopted access route in AthertonThe caravan blocking the unadopted access route in Atherton
The caravan blocking the unadopted access route in Atherton

It is suspected the caravan might have been stolen and abandoned and so Greater Manchester Police (GMP) were contacted.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The issue has also been raised with Wigan Council via the ReportIt app.

Residents living nearby have called for bollards to be put in place to restrict access to the stretch of road.

The route cannot be blocked off entirely as Network Rail uses it to gain access to the train line and there are also allotments in the area which pedestrians need to be able to reach.

Resident Zoe Irlam said: "We now have this addition to the fly-tipping. No-one can gain access.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"I have reported it to the police and council. I am worried it could be a fire hazard.

"I hope we get some sort of gate fitted soon."

Wigan Council said investigators were visiting the site on Friday afternoon and the town hall's standard enforcement process would be followed after that.

Incidents such as fly-tipping or vehicles being abandoned should be reported to police on 101 or to Wigan Council using the ReportIt app.

If you value what we do and are able to support us, a digital subscription is just £1 for your first month. Try us today by clicking here and viewing our offers.