An abandoned Sainsbury's site in Newport has become a notorious illegal dumping ground, blighting the local community for the past decade.
The former supermarket land in Shaftesbury, now owned by the Fear Group, is strewn with waste ranging from used needles to discarded furniture.
The eyesore, clearly visible from the main B4591 road, has recently been cordoned off as a crime scene following continued fly-tipping incidents.
The site was slated for a £60million development featuring apartments and a hotel, but these plans were abandoned following an arson attack.
The eyesore, clearly visible from the main B4591 road, has recently been cordoned off as a crime scene
Newport City Council
Despite being on the market since 2016, the Fear Group has been unable to sell the property.
The owners have spent thousands of pounds on licensed waste carriers to remove illegally dumped rubbish, including during the pandemic period.
Local Labour councillor Paul Cockeram expressed frustration over the council's limited powers to address the situation.
"Unfortunately it's a private site so there isn't much the council can do, which is a shame because this road is a gateway to Newport and the thousands of motorists driving in and out of Newport can see it," he said.
Councillors have expressed frustration over the council's limited powers to address the situation
Google Street View"It's terrible. It's overgrown with trees, rubbish being dumped - you name it everything is there."
Leon Fear from Fear Group highlighted their ongoing battle with illegal dumping at the site.
"Previous attempts at fencing sections of the site have resulted in the fencing being stolen," he said, noting that the site remains defined by brick walls and concrete blockades.
He emphasised that anyone accessing or dumping on the land is doing so illegally, adding that the company maintains regular dialogue with the city council's environmental control team.
Green Party councillor Lauren James voiced residents' outrage over the site's condition.
The owners have spent thousands of pounds on licensed waste carriers to remove illegally dumped rubbish (not pictured), including during the pandemic period
Getty"Locals are absolutely fuming about this and understandably so. It's a disgrace how this site has been left," she said.
James described a recent clean-up effort with Pride in Pill, revealing the extent of dumping: "There was a range of items. Nappies, a broken up toilet, mattresses - all sorts."
Newport City Council has confirmed it is investigating a large fly-tipping incident at the site.
A council spokesman said Newport is working with the landowner to remove the rubbish.
The council monitors the area regularly and has previously issued fines to offenders.
Anyone with information about illegal dumping is urged to contact the council on 01633 656 656 or report it through their website.