Several trailers filled with “rat-infested” rubbish have been abandoned in lay-bys for months as locals warn that the “filthy” waste is a danger to drivers.
Three 40-foot trailers have been sitting in lay-bys on the A53 and A41 near Shropshire since September.
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Residents have called on the local council to take action - out of fear that the dumped vehicles are an “accident waiting to happen”.
However, an investigation by Shropshire Council, West Mercia Police, and the Environment Agency has since concluded and the trailers remain untouched.
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Three 40-foot trailers have been sitting in lay-bys on the A53 and A41 near Shropshire since September
Market Drayton Crime and Safety Watch
“The issue regarding the trailers is more complex,” the council stated. “The investigation by the Environment Agency and West Mercia Police is concluded, and the matter is with our legal team at present, who are considering our legal position on the issue.”
Market Drayton Crime and Safety Watch, a volunteer-run community page spotlighting crime in the area, spoke about the scale of the problem to GB News.
They said: “The trailers are infested with rats and, by the summer, will smell awful.
“The entire community of Market Drayton would like to see the trailers removed and disposed of without any further delay. They are unsightly and give people a bad impression of the town.”
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'The trailers are infested with rats and, by the summer, will smell awful'
Market Drayton Crime and Safety Watch
A local truck driver told the group that a “moment of inattention” from any driver could have devastating consequences.
They said: “All it would take is a moment of inattention from a driver or rider not seeing the trailer for whatever reason – mostly bad weather, such as fog or heavy rain, or a driver being tired, or at worst, under the influence of drink or drugs. Impaired driving.”
One local resident recently wrote to Shropshire Councillor Ian Nellins, stating that “parts of the trailers are falling apart, and whatever rubbish is inside poses a serious health hazard”.
The resident said that the abandoned trailers could also result in HGV drivers risking prosecution if they were forced to miss their breaks as they have nowhere to park.
“Are you waiting for someone to be killed or seriously injured before any action is taken?,” the resident questioned. “This is an accident waiting to happen.”
Residents have called on the local council to take action, out of fear that the dumped vehicles are an 'accident waiting to happen'
Market Drayton Crime and Safety Watch
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A petition was launched yesterday to demand the removal of the three trailers.
Market Drayton Crime and Safety Watch
Last week, Councillor Ian Nellins responded to the complaints. He said: “Shropshire Council is waiting for legal advice to confirm the council’s position and is following the correct process. There will be a significant cost associated with this, and the council needs to be clear on what it is going to do, under what powers, and how to recover any costs.
“This cannot be rushed, but staff are regularly monitoring the vehicles and preparing to empty them of their contents. To give you an understanding of costs, it could be upwards of £10k per vehicle.”
The group slammed the inaction, stating that the issue has been passed around with “no one wanting to accept responsibility”.
A petition was launched yesterday to demand the removal of the three trailers.
“These deteriorating trailers pose serious safety and health risks, and despite growing public concern, no authority has taken responsibility for their removal,” the petition said, which is close to hitting its first milestone of 100 signatures.
Shropshire Council, West Mercia Police, and the Environment Agency have all been reached out to for comment.
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