‘MOUNTAINS’ of household waste, cans, bottles and disgarded mattresses are littering alleyways in the Infirmary area of Blackburn.

The gated back alleys that separate Leach Street and Infirmary Street are causing residents huge concerns and they say the dumped waste seems to be increasing by the day, despite repeated calls to the council.

A Rockcliffe Street resident said: “It’s disgusting. There’s mattresses, sofas and all sorts.

“The gates were only put up a few years ago but it’s just getting worse.

“Rubbish breeds rubbish and if the people living there are just throwing their litter outside, then other people are going to too.”

Councillor Maureen Bateson warned that if any evidence was found at the scene, prosecutions would be made.

She said: “There is a problem in this area and we are trying to put our heads together and sort it out.

“There is a really high turn around of tenants on these streets and I think it is one of the reasons why this area is particularly bad.

“We have issues with certain landlords and tenants in that area and we are trying to tackle that as best we can.”

Another Rockcliffe Street resident said: “It used to be such a lovely place to live and the majority do keep their houses and gardens clean.

“I brought my children up around here and it’s just so sad to see what it’s become.”

Another resident complained that bags of rubbish had been thrown directly into her hedges.

Councillor Jim Smith, executive member for environment, said: “We investigate any incidents of fly-tipping and if we catch those responsible we will prosecute.

“We welcome any residents or community groups who want to work with us to clean up the mess some selfish people leave behind.”

But that is not enough for one Infirmary resident, who said: “We want to see proper measures put in place so that this doesn’t happen again.

“It’s not good enough for all the people who live here and look after where they live.”