Lewisham residents are urging the council and the Environment Agency to take action on the so-called ‘Deptford Dump’, as the mountain of rubbish the size of a football pitch continues to grow.

New Cross resident Stephanie Reeves, 31, launched the petition online, describing the mound as “an eyesore as well as a public health hazard”.

The site, which is privately owned by Reliant Building Contractors, appears to have been the dumping place for illegal fly-tippers to get rid of construction waste.

Ms Reeves, who has lived in New Cross for the past five years, said it’s damaging the area’s reputation.

She told News Shopper: “I think it comes down to the owner having to remove it, but I’m conscious that it’s a huge amount of rubbish for any one person.

“It’s the first impression and it’s really sad that this is what people think of New Cross.”

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Local Conservatives in Deptford are backing the petition to remove the waste and get the site properly secured to prevent illegal dumping in the future.

Adam Thomas, the Tory candidate for Greenwich and Lewisham in this May’s London Assembly elections, has raised his concerns about the health impact.

He told News Shopper: “The longer this is allowed to go on the worse it will get.

“We fully support the efforts of residents to highlight the problem and importantly the concerns of the community in seeking action.

“We sympathise with the land owner as it looks like they've been the victim of criminal activity, but the mound of rubbish continues to grow.”

A spokesman for Lewisham Council said: “This is privately owned land and it is the responsibility of the land owner to clear the site.

“The owner is currently in the process of clearing the site and we are working with them to expedite this and advise on measures they should put in place to avoid this happening again.”

Reliant Building Contractors declined to comment when approached by News Shopper.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency is working with Lewisham Council which is leading an investigation into the site in Deptford.

He said: "We will continue to support them on this matter going forward.  

"We urge people and businesses to check they use registered waste carriers to handle their waste to prevent illegal activity occurring.

"You can check if a waste company is registered with the Environment Agency on 03708 506 506 or at www.gov.uk/waste-carrier-or-broker-registration."