RUBBISH blowing from a landfill site is said to be creating a “festival of litter” on the M65.

Complaints are being made to Whinney Hill landfill site regarding litter spreading in high winds from the tip to the motorway and across into Altham.

Chairman of Altham Parish Council, Coun Rennie Pinder, said that businesses and residents contacted him after litter was discovered in gardens and lining the motorway.

The parish council contacted landfill operators Sita regarding the situation after reports of rubbish in the trees and bushes from Junction 7 to Junction 8 of the M65 began at the weekend when there were high winds.

The parish council said that it had been working with Sita to try and prevent the problem happening again.

Coun Pinder said: “It came to light when a number of residents from Hawthorn Bank came to my house early on Sunday morning saying there was rubbish outside their houses. Then I found out it was also on the motorway.

“It could have been very dangerous.

“I contacted Sita about it and their area manager was mortified about it.

“They’ve informed me they’ve got some nets now to use to prevent the litter leaving the site in high winds. They just need to be a bit more ahead of the game really.”

One businessman who contacted the Lancashire Telegraph, who asked not to be named described it as “embarrassing”.

He said: “It was just a festival of litter right down the entire motorway. We’ve had visitors to our site recently from all over the country. The rubbish is spreading right down the motorway which is the worst impression we can give of East Lancashire.

“In times like these we need to give a good impression of the area.”

Sita was unavailable for comment.