Evidence uncovered in huge pile of flytipped waste

Investigators searching for the culprits who illegally dumped a huge pile of waste on a rural Staffordshire road say inquiries are "pointing in one direction".

The mountain of rubbish was discovered at about 06:00 GMT on Monday on Watery Lane in Lichfield, leaving residents cut off and business owners unable to reach their premises.

Environmental protection manager Jack Twomey said officers had been searching the waste as it was being removed.

"We've found a fair bit of evidence in there," he said.

Under section 33 of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, people convicted of flytipping face an unlimited fine and, in serious cases, a jail sentence.

Lichfield District Council said it would hold those responsible to account.

Councillor Phil Whitehouse, cabinet member in charge of waste, said on Monday that the flytipping appeared to have been a calculated operation.

Beth Toovey, who runs the Thyme Kitchen restaurant, told the Today programme there was "disbelief" among businesses and the impact on them had been "huge".

"It's not only the lost revenue but also the disruption to the customers and staff," she said. "I am hopeful that whoever has done this will be apprehended."

Nearby firms said they had already seen trade drop by about 40% because of ongoing disruption and road closures caused by the construction of a housing estate at the other end of the road.

Business owner Natalie Farkas told BBC Midlands Today the illegal dumping had caused firms to lose two days' of trade because it had blocked their only access to their premises.

"It's just been unbearable," she said. "I've been trading for 30 years and this is the most stressful it's ever been," said Ms Farkas, who said she had survived four recessions.

Paul Shaw, managing director for Redrow Midlands, said the housing developer had offered to support the council with clearing the waste, as well as supporting with future preventative measures.

The company has also temporarily opened an access road through their development for residents and businesses.

Mr Shaw confirmed the part of Watery Lane closed because of the construction was due to reopen in April.

Contractors have been onsite since 07:00 GMT, the council said.

Follow BBC Stoke & Staffordshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.