POLICE are investigating reports that 21,000 tonnes of rubble have been dumped into a pond on the site of the SnOasis development.

POLICE are investigating reports that 21,000 tonnes of rubble have been dumped into a pond on the site of the SnOasis development.

Suffolk police officers have been working with wildlife officers and Natural England to establish whether the rubble has been legally dumped and whether any wildlife has been affected.

The former Mason's Quarry at Great Blakenham is subject to a government order protecting a rare species of newt, the great crested newt which inhabits the area.

Under the stipulations of the planning permission granted, allowing for the �300 million winter ski resort, developers Onslow Suffolk are required to ensure the rare newts are protected.

They are in the process of making an application to Natural England for a licence to move the newts to 36 specially-designed ponds on the site. Until the licence is granted work at the site cannot get underway.

It is understood the allegation was made by the Suffolk Wildlife Trust but a spokeswoman at the trust said they were unable to comment because the matter is with police.

It is thought the rubble has been on the site for around 18 months.

Godfrey Spanner, managing director of Onslow Suffolk said: “A visit was made to our site by police officers.

“I know nothing of it; no-one from the police has spoken to me about it.

“My site manager told me police officers and someone from Natural England had been on the site.

“The bricks have been there for over a year, I don't know why a complaint has been made at this stage.”

Paul Cantwell, Natural England's East of England wildlife management adviser confirmed they were working with police to investigate the matter.

“Natural England has been made aware of an alleged filling-in of a pond at a site in Suffolk,” he said. “Natural England's Wildlife Management Advisers are currently liaising with local police to ascertain the facts relating to the site.

“Natural England will not be commenting further on this matter until police investigations are complete.”

A Suffolk police spokeswoman said: “Police received a report of the dumping of a large quantity of rubble at the proposed Snoasis site at Great Blakenham on 18th February.

“Since then local officers have been working in conjunction with wildlife officers and partners including Natural England to carry out an investigation. Inquiries are ongoing.”