24th September 2025

Throughout September, we have been making more progress on site. 

We have continued to visit weekly to make repairs to the perimeter fence. Although breaches continue to be made, we have seen a drop-off in this activity since the end of the summer holidays. We will continue to keep an eye on the situation. 

There have also been reports of illegal fly-tipping along and near the steps to the site from Rooley Moor Road. We have been actively managing this to ensure the pedestrian footpath remains clear and pleasant for all. 

Last month, we told you about our treatment of the invasive plant species on site. The Japanese Knotweed is now in its third treatment phase, and alongside the Himalayan Balsam, should soon be eradicated. 

Our ecology consultants will be undertaking further bat monitoring surveys in October. Other surveys, including badgers, are now complete. 

Next steps 

While we have made all this progress over the past few months, there are still further considerations to be made as we come to understand what will be feasible in the future.  

Our ground remediation experts are continuing to assess the site. They will need to form a careful plan of action for managing the cleanup of the woodlands, the removal of waste material, and the demolition of buildings, amongst other tasks. This is a huge job that we need to get right. We are very grateful for the patience of the community in this matter.