Villagers Report 'Despair' as Travellers Establish New Site on Land Previously Used for Illegal Dumping

Residents in the village of Peopleton, Worcestershire, are experiencing 'despair' following the establishment of an unauthorized traveler encampment on a field that has been the site of a prolonged dispute over illegal waste dumping. The new encampment was reportedly set up over a weekend in July while local council offices were closed.

For over a year, villagers have contended with an illegal waste operation allegedly run by John Bruce, a man with prior convictions for tipping waste at unlicensed sites. Locals claim this operation has resulted in hundreds of tons of rubbish being dumped on the outskirts of the village. The same field where the new encampment is situated is reported by locals to have previously been used to dump approximately 200 tons of waste originating from an illegal rubbish processing plant operated by Bruce nearby at Stone Arrow Farm.

Aerial photographs show that the farmland has been tarmacked, and several caravans have been moved onto the site. This development has occurred despite the issuance of a stop notice and enforcement actions. Residents have noted the installation of electric gates and CCTV cameras, as well as reports of the occupants using sun loungers and deckchairs.

One anonymous resident described the situation as 'lawlessness,' expressing a sentiment that those who disregard rules appear to be able to proceed with impunity, while rule-followers find themselves unable to achieve results. The resident further commented on the apparent powerlessness of the council and police to intervene.

The diggers reportedly arrived on a Friday evening, with work commencing the following morning. When locals attempted to contact the council, they were informed that no action could be taken until Monday. By then, the encampment was established, and a retrospective planning application was submitted.

Residents also reported that an enforcement notice was issued, but construction continued in defiance of it. The site now contains approximately six caravans, an Astroturf garden, and parasols, indicating a permanent settlement.

This incident appears to follow a pattern where traveler encampments are established over weekends, taking advantage of council office closures. This practice allows for significant site development, such as laying concrete and moving in caravans, before local authorities can formally respond. Retrospective planning applications are then submitted, complicating and often prolonging the process of eviction.

Locals have also stated that the illegal waste operation at Stone Arrow Farm continues unabated. Reports from January indicated that the farm was being used for the deposit of rubble, wood, and household waste. Although a stop notice was served by the Environment Agency and an enforcement notice by the local council, with some waste removed, the arrival of more waste-laden trucks has been reported.

Other illegal waste tipping sites have been identified in the vicinity, including a site at Mill Lane and another at Haselor Lane where processed rubble was spread across a field. The profitability of illegal waste dumping, estimated at up to £2,500 per truck, has reportedly attracted organized criminal gangs, with police describing the unlicensed rubbish business as 'the new narcotics.'

A spokesperson for Wychavon District Council confirmed that a Temporary Stop Notice has been issued, prohibiting further development or occupation of the site, including hardstanding, additional caravans, and fencing. The spokesperson noted that the installation of a gate and CCTV are not covered by the notice, but the council continues to monitor the site for breaches of planning rules. The retrospective planning application will be considered through the standard process, and its outcome will determine subsequent actions. The council is also liaising with other relevant organizations regarding aspects within their regulatory purview.

The Environment Agency stated it is continuing to investigate illegal waste crime in Worcestershire and may take further enforcement action. John Bruce has been approached for comment.