Latest information: flooding and waste

Jumbo sandbag barrier

Construction of a barrier was completed on 28 November. The barrier is formed of jumbo sandbags between the waste and the river and 150 m of fencing. While the current risk of the waste entering the river is very low, the barrier has been installed as a precaution to protect the environment and prevent unauthorised access to the active crime scene. Prior to this a boom was installed in the ditch as a temporary measure to help prevent waste material flowing downstream.

With a flood alert being issued yesterday (18/12/25) we have been on site today checking that the mitigation we put in place is working effectively. Water levels were low around the waste. Photos below show some water against the sandbags, and that some rubbish is being held back by the Heras Fencing. You can also see that the water flowing away is free from any rubbish, showing that the sandbags and fencing is working to keep rubbish out of the Cherwell.

In this photo the waste pile can be seen in the background behind the sandbags and Heras fencing. You can see the water flowing away is free from any rubbish, showing that the sandbags and fencing is working to keep rubbish out of the Cherwell.

Sandbags in action – note that these are not intended to prevent water flowing but are there to hold back waste and prevent it from getting into the River Cherwell.

Flooding and waste

The waste pile sits within a large area of floodplain, which can store a substantial volume of water during periods of heavy rain.