AN EPIDEMIC of fly-tipping has hit Marsh House in Darwen with garden and building waste dumped in back streets.

Now ward councillor John Roberts is calling for a council crackdown on the rubbish jettisoned in alleyways and in open ground.

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He is also appealing for the public to help catch the culprits.

The latest incident saw conifers, other garden waste and boarding dumped - blocking Pick-Up Fold Road near Pole Lane.

It followed several other incidents reported to Cllr Roberts by joggers and dog walkers in the area.

After he reported the Pick-Up Fold Road incident to Blackburn with Darwen Council environmental services, the rubbish was removed.

He is now asking for an enforcement exercise in Marsh House similar to a recent one in Sudell after a similar plague of fly-tipping.

Cllr Roberts has been backed by borough Tory leader John Slater.

Earlier this year there was an outbreak of rubbish dumping in Sunnyhurst near the town centre.

Cllr Roberts posted on Facebook: “Did anyone see the moron or morons who have blocked Pick-Up Fold Road off Pole Lane?

“They have dumped a huge amount of conifer and other waste across the highway so that even pedestrians can’t get past.

“Description of any vehicles reversing down there especially registration numbers would be appreciated.

“Please keep a watch out in case others try similar tricks in the area.”

He added: “I have asked the council’s fly-tipping officer to investigate as a matter of urgency.

“Local residents are sick and tired of these individuals desecrating our area with waste that can be disposed of for a few quid at the local waste transfer centres, one of which is less than a mile away.

“ I am asking our enforcement officers to look into this and start a campaign to tackle it before the summer gets hot and the rubbish attracts flies and vermin.”

“This seems to be a seasonal thing with garden and building waste being the main problem.”

Cllr Salter said: “I am right behind Cllr Roberts.

“We need to tackle fly-tipping, prosecute those responsible and fine them.

“The council environmental officers are pretty good at this and ran a successful scheme un Sudell.

“Tough action now needs to be taken in Marsh House and wherever in the borough this occurs.”