A NEW housing site in Chelford is the focus of a ‘major investigation’ following an illegal waste dump which could pose a risk to human health.

The former Eddie Stobart site, in Knutsford Road, which is now owned by Jones Homes Ltd, was targeted in an incident at the beginning of October.

According to the Environment Agency, the incident is being linked to a wider scale investigation which is looking into waste dumping at various sites across Merseyside.

A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “We are currently investigating the dumping of illegal waste in Knutsford and following several lines of enquiry to identify suspects.

“The waste is a nuisance to local people, it also poses a risk to the environment and has the potential to harm human health – as such we treat waste crime extremely seriously and will do all we can to catch and prosecute the criminals involved in cases such as this.”

“If you observe any further deposits or suspect any illegal waste activity in connection with this, please contact the Environment Agency’s Incident Hotline on 0800 807060, or Crime stoppers on: 0800 555 111.”

Eddie Stobart, which used to operate from the site, moved to its new home in Widnes around four months ago.

According to a witness, three wagons were stopped at the entrance to the yard back in October, sparking involvement from the police and Cheshire East Council before it was handed over to the Environment Agency.

Chelford Parish Council has had no contact with the authorities, and was unaware of the incident taking place.

David Wilson, chairman of the council, said: “This is a great concern and we all need to gather some information and find out what’s going on.

“We havd our parish council meeting last week and it was not mentioned. There has been no contact with the authorities. I was not aware of this incident and neither was anyone on the parish council.”