Work to clear a huge illegal waste site in Wigan is halted after a mineshaft discovery
A £4.8m government-funded clean up has been immediately halted on the illegal Bolton House Road waste site due to the discovery of a mineshaft.
On the first day that the waste was due to start being cleared from a huge illegal tip, all work has now been stopped due to an unwanted major discovery: mine workings.
The illegal 18,000-tonne waste dump on Bolton House Road in Bickershaw, Wigan, has plagued residents since October 2024.
The mountain of waste caused severe vermin infestations, foul odours, and a major 10-day toxic fire in July 2025 that closed a nearby school and businesses.
The Environment Agency has also said that they’re hunting down the criminals behind the appalling dumping, and five arrests have already been made as part of the investigation.
A government-funded clean up began yesterday (November 11) but was immediately halted due to the discovery of a mineshaft that could cause a risk to lorries carrying heavy loads.
Wigan Council previously said removal teams would be aiming to clear up to 25 lorry loads of waste per day.
According the BBC, a Wigan Council spokesperson said: "We want to reassure residents that work has started on site and this waste clearance is expected to complete in spring next year, as planned.
"To avoid disruption to residents who've already suffered enough, we're accessing the site through former mining land rather than the residential road.
"Due to historical mineshafts on site that could cause a risk with repeated heavy lorry loads, the contractor needs to carry out further construction work to be assured that the route is safe for this type of activity.
"Works are continuing on site and we are committed to continuing to keep local residents updated as we undertake the complex work of clearing the site."
It is hoped the work can resume early next month.