Fly-tipping hotspot in Darwen the ‘worst it has ever been’

The back alleys of Preston Street and Snape Street have been targeted by people dumping sofas and other furniture as well as throwing litter such as cans and bottles.

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Councillors have said they have seen bins overflowing regularly and gullies which are vital to allow water to drain away being blocked by rubbish.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has said that cameras could be brought in to keep an eye on the area.

Cllr Paul Browne, who is a member of the town council, said that the town is getting ‘dirtier and dirtier’.

He said: “It is shocking how a few people seem to have lost their pride in this town.

“The backs of these streets are horrible and the gullies are being blocked with litter constantly.

“Plus I’ve seen all sorts dumped down there, sofas and fridges and everything. The bins are overflowing.

“It’s an absolute disgrace and I honestly think that Darwen is getting dirtier and dirtier.

“If everyone picked up litter the town would be clean and wonderful.

“These streets are in one of the worst states I’ve ever seen them. It is utterly filthy, you’ve got to see it to believe it.”

It comes after the site of the former Highfield Working Men’s Club in Ratcliffe Street, which has been derelict for four years, suffered a fly-tipping epidemic in August with asbestos waste being dumped there and a car with rubbish inside.

Cameras have already been placed in Olive Lane in a bid to catch people dumping household items.

Cllr Jane Oates, the borough council’s assistant executive member for environment, said Preston Street and Snape Street are a regular problem.

She said: “Thankfully we have had some vigilant neighbours and we are already in the process of taking action against some residents in these streets.

“However we will consider using cameras because these areas have been a common problem.

“They will allow us to identify people who are doing this, as household items have regularly been spotted round the backs.”