A COUNCILLOR has slammed a recent increase in flytipping as an 'epidemic' and called for residents to be 'vigilant'.

County cllr Peter Britcliffe has received more than a dozen complaints about the illegal dumping of trade and unwanted domestic waste in the last fortnight.

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The latest incident in Foxhill Bank Brow is causing extra concern for residents after a 'large number of rats' have been seen by business owners.

The number of flytipping incidents recorded in Hyndburn has more than doubled in the last year, with council bosses releasing figures showing that between 2014 and 2015, there were 1,030 cases of flytipping compared to 2,208 in 2015/16.

Cllr Britcliffe said: "There is an epidemic of fly-tipping in the Oswaldtwistle Area.

"The worrying thing is that there are needles being left lying around.

"This is a particular concern to people and we are talking about a time of year when people are on holiday.

"At least a dozen people have contacted me in the last two weeks."

Cllr Britcliffe said Foxhill Bank Brow, off Union Road, is one of the worst affected areas, with residents even spotting used needles.

Other items dumped include broken glass, rubble, garden waste and drinks cans as well as larger items such as cupboards and vacuum cleaners.

Nathan McAleese, 38, assistant manager of nearby Tinker Brook Garage in Sadler Street, said: "Rubbish has usually been dumped overnight so we see it when we arrive in the morning.

"It's happening every weekend.

"We have even seen a large number of rats running around because of the fly-tipping so we are just thankful we are a garage and don't sell food.

"It has been going on for six to eight months, if not longer."

Fellow Oswaldtwistle ward councillor Lisa Allen has also received several calls about flytipping in the town.

Cllr Allen said: "A lot of people are complaining about this issue.

"I have reported the incidents that people have told me about and they have been resolved."

Hyndburn Council has been notified about the situation and are currently looking into it.

A Hyndburn Council spokesman said: “We are aware of the issues at Foxhill Bank and are currently investigating the ownership of the land.”

County Cllr Britcliffe, who represents Oswaldtwistle on the county council, said: "The perpetrators of these crimes against the environment are ruining our town.

"I think everybody needs to be vigilant and if they spot anything, they need to report it quickly.

"This has to stop."