A BUSINESSMAN criticised for installing a tall fence at the rear of his firm said it was essential to stop people dumping litter on his land.

Residents complained about the steel fencing put up by Bowland Trading Ltd in Higher London Terrace, Darwen and labelling it 'obscene'.

But bosses at the company hit back and said the fence, at the rear of their premises in Anyon Street, was the only way they could think of ending a five year battle to stop bags of rubbish being thrown into their yard.

Dan Monaghan, director at Bowland Trading Ltd, said the fence also helps stop trespassers.

He said:“Since the fence has been put it has 100 per cent stopped the issues.

“It’s about stopping the vermin issue, the fly-tipping issue, the theft issue.

“Kids use the roof as a playground, particularly during the summer months

“The rubbish ends up blocking the drains.

“You’d get needles from drug usage, remnants of cannabis plants and even soiled nappies.”

Mr Monaghan said each time a clean up was required it costs ‘hundreds of pounds'.

He estimated he has at least 20 incidents a year.

The steel palisade fence was erected around two months ago on top of an existing brick wall.

Planning permission was not been granted for the fencing, and a retrospective application was rejected last week.

Cllr Roy Davies,who represents the area on Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “There is a bit of a problem with fly-tipping in that area, like there is in a lot of areas.

“But does everyone have to suffer and put up with the fence because of a few individuals?”

Speaking about the issue earlier this week, Cllr Phil Riley, regeneration boss for Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “Planning permission for this fence was refused by the council and we are now considering enforcement action for its removal.

“The applicant does have the right to an appeal against the decision and any subsequent enforcement notice that is served.”