Carl Powell, the 80-year-old farmer known for his infamous billboard calling the village of Peopleton “murderous, lawless and godforsaken,” is once again at the center of local controversy. This time, the longstanding resident of Worcestershire is under investigation amid claims that parts of his 90-acre Stone Arrow Farm are being used as an illegal waste dumping site and a large-scale lorry depot.
The farm borders the picturesque village, where timber-framed and thatched houses reflect a serene rural life. Yet, nearby residents have voiced growing frustration about the noise, dust, and constant vehicle traffic linked to an unregulated tip and more than 50 heavy goods vehicles parked on the property.
Powell, a farmer whose family has owned the land since 1963, attributes the ongoing operations to a tenant leasing part of the farm. He said, “The chap who rents the land from me is using it to recycle wood, stone, and vehicles. He has some past convictions, which I take as a badge of honor. He’s not broken the law but has bent it a bit. We’re working with the Environment Agency to sort things out.”
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Despite his efforts, the situation has soured Powell’s relationship with villagers. “A resident recently told me, ‘You’re a disgrace and the most hated man in Peopleton. You deserve everything coming to you,'” he admitted. Nonetheless, he remains focused on resolving the problems, stating, “I’m against the scale of it. It’s all got to go. We’re trying to regularize everything, but it’s difficult dealing with tenants.”
Locals, many of whom live in homes valued at over half a million pounds, have labeled the site an eyesore causing significant disturbance. Complaints of daily noise, dust from crushing bricks, and unsociable hours of lorry movements have been common. One resident described the lasting impact: “We can’t hang washing outside or open windows without dust settling on everything. It feels like it’s taking forever to put a stop to this.”
The Environment Agency issued a prohibition notice back in January 2025, which was initially obeyed. However, the unauthorized activities have resumed, prompting the agency to consider further enforcement action. An EA spokesperson affirmed, “Illegal waste crime scars our communities, and the site at Peopleton is something we’re committed to tackling together.”
Local governance is also taking a stand. Peopleton Parish Council representatives stressed their commitment: “We are using every tool available to disrupt those profiting from illegal waste sites.” Conservative MP Nigel Huddleston, representing the area, expressed his concern after engaging with affected residents: “I understand how damaging these activities have been and will continue to advocate for the community’s well-being.”
As investigations continue, the future of Stone Arrow Farm remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: both residents and authorities are eager to bring an end to the disruptions plaguing this once peaceful village.