Remediation efforts at the unauthorised waste site in Kidlington are accelerating as officials announce when the cleanup will commence.

A road surface is being constructed above the waterlogged terrain to enable heavy machinery to reach the location safely once waste removal gets underway.

The Environment Agency has confirmed the formal clearance operation will start in April, approximately 10 months after the problem was initially flagged to Cherwell District Council.

Provisional traffic control arrangements will operate near the premises, positioned away from the A34 trunk road, to handle vehicle movement and prevent congestion.

Construction has started in Kidlington prior to the waste clearance

A lowered speed restriction will apply alongside two sets of portable signals, which will operate during daytime working hours and only display red when a truck intends to depart the facility.

Providing details on current progress, an Environment Agency representative stated that operatives have been spreading crushed stone across the boggy surface to establish a stable foundation.

Following this, a finer layer of material will be applied to create access routes for site vehicles. Accommodation and sanitary provisions for on-site personnel will likewise be established.

The timeline for commencing waste clearance in April remains on track.

Geotextile membrane was positioned on the premises prior to the stone being deposited to form a temporary road surface for the collection vehicles.

This membrane prevents the trucks collecting the 10,000 tonnes of refuse from becoming stuck in the muddy conditions created by the wet winter months.

Yorkshire-based company Acumen Waste Services secured the £8 million contract for waste removal, with the location situated in close proximity to the River Cherwell.

Protective fencing and substantial sandbags were positioned around the perimeter to stop water from the drainage channel reaching the area.

Precipitation has delayed excavation of the mound; Oxfordshire received 188 percent of its typical January rainfall and 178 percent of its usual February total.

At the beginning of February, eight trees were felled near the site entrance to provide access for the removal vehicles. This work was carried out before the bird breeding period commenced.

Four individuals have been detained regarding the illegal tipping and remain subject to criminal inquiries. No formal charges have been issued to date.

Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds stated that she has maintained ongoing discussions with the Environment Agency and fully supports the choice to remediate the location.

She pledged to persist in her collaboration with them to ensure those accountable bear the costs of their actions.

Environment Agency Chief Executive Philip Duffy remarked that regional officers have been present at the site collaborating with partner organisations to limit damage and mitigate hazards whilst pursuing those responsible.