11/01/2006 - Environment Agency officers backed by police today (Wed) raided an illegal waste site at Temple Farm, West Hanningfield, Chelmsford. Arrests were made for suspected waste related offences after a warrant had been issued to the Environment Agency to enter and search the site. The new Clean Neighbourhood and Environment Act 2005 has increased the penalties for certain waste offences making these arrests possible.

Environment Agency Special Enforcement team leader Chris Window said: ‘We have been concerned about operations at the site for some time and have been conducting investigations for some months.

‘The raid was assisted by the provisions of the new Act which increases the power given to crown courts to impose prison sentences of up to five years for certain waste offences. That makes them arrestable offences.

‘We have been working closely with Chelmsford Borough Council during our investigations as well as liaising with Essex Police.’

Police Sergeant Morgan Cronin, Essex Police, said: ‘The site has been secured and three arrests have been made so far. The arrests are for burglary, suspected theft of motor vehicles and environmental offences.

‘A number of stolen vehicles have also been recovered from the site and it is likely that more items will be recovered throughout the day.’

There have been complaints from local residents about alleged burning operations at the site and a local action group Bakers Lane Action Group (BLAG) has been formed.