Illegal dumping may prompt prosecution

LEGAL action may be taken over unauthorised dumping at two disused quarries near Sapcote which could threaten Stoney Cove’s National Diving Centre.

Officers at Leicestershire County Council are considering their options in a bid to stop the illicit activities at Granitethorpe and Sapcote quarries.

Both the county and Blaby District Council have already tried to intervene by issuing various stop notices, while the Environment Agency has carried out inspections.

The situation has been complicated further by concerns from the operators of nearby Stoney Cove who say the dumping could cause contamination of their waters.

The nationally renowned complex is based in an old quarry adjacent to Granitethorpe and Sapcote and owners say the three sites are hydrostatically linked.

It has prompted fears that any waste dumped into Granitethorpe or Sapcote could affect the quality of Stoney Cove’s waters, threatening its existence.

Their concerns were raised at a meeting of Sapcote Parish Council earlier this year during which people were told widespread damage had been caused to the landscape at both sites as well as the access road and a property at the entrance of Leicester Road.

Some of the activities had involved the destruction of a length of historic stone wall, unauthorised removal of hedgerow, construction of unauthorised fencing and felling of trees.

Commenting on the issue the parish clerk said notwithstanding the periodic interventions by the three official agencies there had been no apparent cessation in the activities and the site owner appeared to be completely disregarding the planning process and the issue of notices and this was causing much frustration and anger among the local community.

The clerk added the perception was the local heritage and ecology was being systematically destroyed and the responsible regulatory agencies appeared to be powerless to stop it.

While debate continues the matter was discussed in closed session by members of Leicestershire County Council’s development control and regulatory board.

A spokesman said: “This is a matter which Leicestershire County Council is taking very seriously. At the most recent meeting of our development control and regulatory board, it was confirmed that pursuing civil or criminal proceedings were now an option open to the council. A decision confirming the council’s next steps will be taken very shortly.”