Waste-filled trailers dumped by 'organised crime gangs' in Shropshire laybys could cost council £30k to remove
The county council has provided an update regarding deteriorating, waste-filled trailers dumped in laybys in north Shropshire five months ago.
The issue of the three rubbish-filled trailers abandoned in lay-bys in north Shropshire was raised at Shropshire Council's full council meeting on Thursday.
Three 40-foot trailers have reportedly been in the laybys along the A53 and A41 since September 2024 while an investigation, involving West Mercia Police and the Environment Agency (EA), took place.
In the last week, Market Drayton resident Iana Jacobson - frustrated with delays and concerned about the envirionmental impacts - launched a petition urging the council to take action.
On Thursday, Market Drayton Mayor and councillor Roy Aldcroft asked the portfolio holder for highways, Councillor Dan Morris for reassurance that the issue was being dealt with.
Explaining the situation, Councillor Aldcroft said: "There are three trailers which have been abandoned: two on the A53 between Shawbury and Market Drayton and one between Tern Hill and the A41 Bletchley bypass.
"Police and the Environment Agency were supposed to be investigating the issue as a criminal act by organised crime gangs - it's got to be getting on for eight months now and all three are still there.
"The tyres are nearly flat, bits of trailers are falling apart and whatever rubbish is inside is a potential hazard, with the trailers parked up in regularly used HGVS rest spots its also preventing HGV drivers from taking their legal break.
"All of these trailers have been vandalised, some with panels hanging off. If they become detached in heavy winds then they will present a hazard to other road users."
Responding, Councillor Morris confirmed that the investigation is now complete, and the council was looking at the options for their removal.
He said: "These trailers have been under investigation by West Mercia Police and the Environment Agency as part of a criminal act by organised crime gangs.
"We are currently taking advice on our options, including the cost of removal which could be as much as £10,000 per trailer."
Councillor Morris revealed that the owner of one trailer had acknowledged it was his, but told the EA that he "can't afford to collect it and does not want it back".
He added: "The remaining trailers belong to the gang responsible for abandoning them."
Moving to reassure residents, Councillor Morris said: "We are monitoring the situation and we are working to see if we can get them emptied before moving them. We will continue to pursue a resolution."
When Councillor Aldcroft asked for a timescale for the removal of the trailers, Councillor Morris said he would get back to the Market Drayton Mayor when he had an answer.