CALLS are being made to take greater care of a beauty spot after dozens of bottles and litter were dumped at the site.

Residents and dog walkers complained after the waste was discovered at Jackhouse Nature Reserve in Oswaldtwistle.

As it coincides with the start of the summer holidays concerns have been raised it become a place for teenagers to congregate and consume alcohol.

Councillors said the area has had longstanding problems with anti-social behaviour.

Cllr Judith Addison who represents Oswaldtwistle on Hyndburn Council, said: “There’s been quite a lot of work going on at Jackhouse over the past three years.

“Historically it’s had a lot of trouble with vandalism, people leaving waste and having camp sites, all sorts.

“It’s deplorable and disgusting, people just cannot be bothered to remove their waste.

“But it’s a problem all across the country. Nationally this is happening too often.”

The rubbish consisted of cans, bottles, food packets and bin bags, along with the remains of camp fires.

Resident Julie Cropper, who uncovered the rubbish, said: “It’s just a shame to pick such a lovely local beauty spot and then to leave it looking like a rubbish dump.”

Cllr Ken Moss, cabinet member for parks on Hyndburn Council which is responsible for maintaining the site, said: “There have been a number of problems over the years here.

“I’m not against people going up and enjoying the beauty spot, but I’d just ask them not to damage it and to clear up after themselves.

“We need anyone who sees people causing trouble to report it.”He added council staff would be sent to clean up the rubbish.