Overview
- Channel 4 drone video appears to show two excavators shifting rubbish onto land tied to the Duchy of Lancaster.
- The Environment Agency says a major criminal investigation is under way, with interviews under caution and interventions to deter further illegal dumping.
- The Duchy says it offered to transfer the site to Wigan Council and denies cleanup responsibility, claiming only about 30% is vested with the estate.
- The Environment Agency disputes that claim, stating the Duchy owns the majority parcel of the dump.
- A resident-led petition urging the King to act has reached about 20,000 signatures as locals highlight health risks from more than 25,000 tonnes of waste near homes and a school.