FLYTIPPERS who dumped 10 slot machines in an alleyway have been branded ‘bandits’ by residents.

The game and fruit machines were rolled off a flatbed transit truck near Maudsley Street, Accrington.

The alley, which provides access to the back gardens of more than 10 houses, has been completely blocked by the machines.

David Taylor, 60, who lives on the street with his partner, Susan Birtwell, 46, said: “I heard a really loud noise outside and when I went out the machines had been tipped into the back alley.

“I was flabbergasted at the cheek of it. It is an absolute mess, there is shattered glass and wires everywhere.

“It has completely blocked off my back garden and it is dangerous for people who use the alley as a short cut.”

Mr Taylor claims the alley, which backs on to a former quarry, is blighted by flytippers.

Coun Peter Clarke, cabinet member for the environment at Hyndburn Borough Council, said the council was looking into the matter. And he warned flytippers they would face prosecution.

He said: “We are aware of this and officers will check out the site to see if there is any evidence which will lead us to the culprit.

“Fly tipping is a dangerous, ugly and serious offence which costs the council many thousands of pounds.

“Where we have evidence we always take people to court and last year magistrates fined people over £19,000.

“However we need people to tell us is they see this going on so please call us on 01254 388111 with a vehicle registration number wherever possible.”

Residents in the Burnley Wood area of Burnley have claimed their neighbourhood has been turned into a dumping ground by fly-tippers. Dozens of bags of rubbish, settees, mattresses have been left in the ares creating problems with rats.