The clearance of an illegal waste site at Kidlington has been completed, with local authorities expressing satisfaction at the removal of thousands of tonnes of rubbish that had accumulated over the past year.
A total of 22,705 tonnes of material was cleared from the site located in a field adjacent to the A34 trunk road, close to the River Cherwell.
The operation, which cost approximately £6 million and spanned five months, was carried out by contractors from Acumen Waste Services, who began their work in April.
Crews worked to remove up to 30 lorry loads of debris each day throughout the clearance period.
The remediation effort covered an area of roughly 8,000 square metres.
Materials recovered from the site included tyres, shredded plastic, and general household waste.
Following the removal of all debris, concrete blocks were installed at the main entrance and the primary gate was secured with a padlock to prevent further access.
Oxfordshire County Council confirmed that officers worked alongside fire and rescue personnel and the Environment Agency throughout the operation.
The authority supported the decision to clear the site given its position near the river and the major road, as well as concerns regarding potential fire hazards.
The council stated that residents of Kidlington and the wider county would find the news of the waste removal to be a considerable relief.
Cherwell District Council leader Councillor Lesley McLean acknowledged the development as welcome for residents of Kidlington and the surrounding area.
She emphasised that while the clearance represented a significant step forward, it remained essential that those who had deposited the waste were held responsible for their actions.
The Environment Agency investigation into the illegal dumping has resulted in four arrests.
Representatives indicated that efforts to identify and pursue all individuals involved would continue.
Water quality monitoring conducted in the area showed no measurable adverse effects on the local environment.