HIT squads are set to be dispatched to the dirtiest corners of Blackburn and Darwen – and campaigners say it’s not before time.

Borough environment bosses have unveiled a new ‘carrot and stick’ approach to tackle ongoing problems with rubbish-strewn back alleys.

And if the worst offenders do not learn their lesson and dispose of their waste properly, then council chiefs have vowed to haul them before the courts.

Four of the most affected areas, Wensley Fold, Bastwell, Sudell and the Infirmary area of Ewood, will see ‘education teams’ drafted in at first to ensure waste is handled correctly.

Cllr Paul Browne, who represents Sudell ward, said: “This is not before time. I have been saying for the past two years that we need to get this problem sorted out.”

He has identified Snape Street, Perry Street and Atlas Road as the hotspots in his part of Darwen and insisted they would be even more untidy but for the litter-picking efforts of town councillor Roy Davies.

Cllr Shaukat Hussain, for Bastwell ward, said: “I definitely welcome this. It’s important that people take ownership of this problem so that we can get to the bottom of it.

“It’s almost like we need a neighbourhood watch in operation so that we can find out whether rubbish is being left there, or whether, as some people say, it is being dumped from outside.”

Regular problems are reported in Bastwell, off Whalley New Road, in parts of Cedar Street and Boland Street.

Borough environment boss Cllr Jim Smith said: “Most of the borough, around 90 per cent, dispose of their rubbish correctly.

“There are just a few blackspots which we will target from the end of the month.”

In the short-term all rubbish left in alleys will be collected on ‘bin day’ to clear them of waste, and bulky items removed the following day by special teams.

Plans are then in place for enforcement officers to visit householders and landlords to advise them on the correct bins to use and when they should be put out.

Under the initiative, those without bins, such as maisonettes and flats, will be given black and clear plastic bags for general rubbish and recyclable materials.

Trials have already taken place in Wensley Fold and Bastwell, and refuse bags have also been provided in Sudell.

Cllr Smith said: “It is a carrot and stick approach, giving help with the bags to get the rubbish put out properly and cleared quickly but then taking action where people don’t play their part.

“Private landlords will be told to get bins for the properties and householders educated on waste disposal and recycling.

“Enforcement officers will work closely with refuse collections teams on the ‘clear all’ policy and action will be taken against those who continue to dump rubbish.

“This is a plan to speed up the removal of dumped rubbish and tackle those who put excess rubbish out on a regular basis.

“People with too much rubbish for their bins will be reminded to take it to the household waste centres.

“It is about improving the quality of live in our neighbourhoods for all residents.”