Pershore 2 Watchlist site 82

Pershore, near Worcester in Worcestershire is the location of Environment Agency watchlist site 82 where approximately 150,000 to 180,000 tonnes of shredded household and commercial waste were deposited over a 6-year period between 2017 and 2023. Forming part of an original World War 2 airfield, the 150-acre site has now been secured and no further waste has since been deposited.

Although the site is not close to residential properties, and therefore the waste does not appear unsightly, it did represent a major fire risk as the waste was stored in one large pile. As a result, in December 2023, the Fire and Rescue Service, Wychavon District Council, Worcestershire County Council and the Environment Agency jointly funded the creation of fire breaks to reduce the risk of fire and its ability to spread. An adjacent watercourse, Piddle Brook has been monitored for any possible impacts but no concerns have been identified.

The Environment Agency will continue to work closely with the Fire and Rescue Service and other partners to monitor the situation while our investigation is ongoing. We will determine the appropriate course of action once our investigation is completed.