Oswaldtwistle waste site blamed for plague of flies

Residents in Oswaldtwistle said they are dealing with the annoyance and health concerns of clouds of flies in their home throughout the day to the point they cannot eat comfortably.

Dozens of residents near the former Nipa Laboratories site in Nook Lane have also voiced concerns that the flies seem immune to store-bought fly killling products.

Local councillor Peter Britcliffe said his phone is ‘ringing off the hook’ with complaints about the flies. He said: “The problem seems to extend about a mile in any direction, depending on which way the wind is blowing. Hyndburn Council’s Environmental Health team have confirmed the site is to blame.

“Usually a waste site is properly sealed and capped so this sort of problem does not happen. It is amazingly disruptive to have flies constantly in your home. Myself and other residents are having to use fly paper to catch and kill them because sprays dont work.

“We are collecting dozens of flys on these strips by the hour. Action needs to happen and happen quick.”

One Duke Street mum-of-two, who asked not to be named, said: “It’s horrendous. I use antibactrial wipes to clean everything down, just to make a brew.

“I have young boys so I have spent a fortune on products.

“I’ve got cintronella candles, spray, bug zappers and they are still everywhere.

“I don’t want to eat in my own home, but when I went to the sandwhich shop, they had the flies too so I just walked out.”

Waste tipping at the site began a few weeks ago, however there is no planning permission for the activity.

It is not clear who owns the site or who is conducting the tipping.

Hyndburn Council has referred the matter to the Environment Agency. The Environment Agency declined to comment due to legalities and their ongoing investigation.

Coun Clare Pritchard, cabinet member for environmental health at Hyndburn Council said: “We share residents’ concerns and our officers have visited the site. We are hoping for a speedy resolution.”