NEIGHBOURS are complaining about a foul smell and a mountain of rubbish in a 'back yard rubbish tip' and are urging the council to act.

This picture of the back yard of a house on Accrington Road, Blackburn, shows the extent of the rat-infested rubbish tip outside the home.

Residents have voiced concerns over the glass bottles, bin-bags, and discarded wrappers seen among the mess.

Jay Finnerty, 27, said: “It’s been going on for months. It’s disgusting, and they’ve even tried to set fire to it.

“There are needles thrown there by people too, because people think it’s a dumping ground, so they just add to it.

“All it takes is a child to step on broken glass or a needle, so we need to put a stop to it.”

Audley and Queen’s Park ward councillor Maryam Batan, said: “Fly-tipping is not acceptable, and I know of residents who are litter picking regularly as we have done in my ward and this is happening across the borough.

“Any instances of fly-tipping need to be reported so appropriate action can be taken.

“Every resident needs to take ownership and ensure the town is kept clean so we can eradicate litter and fly-tipping in the borough.”

Cllr Jim Smith, Blackburn with Darwen Council’s environment boss, said: “This type of behaviour is unacceptable and blights the lives of neighbours.

“We prosecuted the tenants of this property, which is privately owned, last year for causing a statutory nuisance.

“Unfortunately, the problem has reoccurred, and we are in contact with the managing agent of the property who has started to clear the rubbish. Work is still ongoing and will hopefully be completed soon.”