Update on preparatory works to enable removal of waste

On 7 January 2026 Oxfordshire County Council Tree Service began work to prepare the site entrance for waste removal, which is expected to start in February. The work involved removing 7 small trees from the entrance to the site. This work is needed to ensure the safety of those entering and leaving the site. The Council have carried out this work now to avoid the bird nesting season, and to ensure that restrictions to protect nesting birds do not cause delays once the waste removal begins. While we aim to avoid removing trees wherever possible, it is needed here, to create safe, clear vision for slow moving vehicles leaving the site and joining traffic once the official removal of waste begins.

Care has been taken by the Tree Service to ensure trees are only removed where essential. The team had previously surveyed the trees to make sure they were only removing necessary trees. Most of the trees are less than 15 cm in diameter. Two of the trees removed had unfortunately already been damaged during the illegal waste activity.

Oxfordshire County Council’s Tree Policy is to plant 2 standard trees to replace each tree felled that is greater than 15cm stem diameter.

The site remains securely closed with 24 hour surveillance taking place.