BLACKBURN with Darwen Council will continue putting skips out in the community after a drop in the number of fly-tipping incidents.

Following on from residents’ feedback, and the large response by the community, the council has decided to extend its bulky waste scheme until March.

Launched in December, and initially due to run until January, the scheme to combat fly-tipping and illegal dumping saw dozens of skips placed around the borough, and the cost of bulky rubbish collection halved from £20 to £10.

More than 75 residents legally, and safely, disposed of more than 15 tonnes of rubbish.

Coun Jim Smith, executive member for environment, said: “I am really pleased to announce the continuation of this scheme.

“It will not come as a shock to anyone when I say fly-tipping is a real problem, and I will personally continue to name, and shame, those who irresponsibly make our borough untidy.

“I hope the recent number of high-profile prosecutions has reaffirmed our tough attitude on fly-tipping.

“These skips represent our commitment to keeping our community tidy.”

Skips will be placed around the borough every Saturday until March 29.

This week’s locations will be in Blackburn, at Walter Street, Chester Close, and Stirling Drive, at 9am, and from 10.45am in Delph Close, and Sandwich Close.