AN investigation is underway into a fly infestation caused by an ‘industrial amount’ of dumped rubbish.

The Environment Agency has launched an investigation after receiving complaints from people in Oswaldtwistle about fly-tipping at the warehouse in Stonebridge Lane.

The town has previously had troubles with a ‘plague of flies’ at the NIPA Laboratories site in Nook Lane in 2012.

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Cllr Peter Britcliffe, who represents the St Andrews ward for Hyndburn Council, said: “It’s a dreadful thing that’s happening. There’s been tonnes of waste dumped, an industrial level of waste.

“Back in 2012 most of Oswaldtwistle was plagued with flies and parts of Oswaldtwistle are now facing that problem again.

“It’s absolutely diabolical, we need to be doing anything possible to get rid of the rubbish.

“The problem is increasing, I’m getting more and more people coming to me complaining each day.”

People in Rhyddings Street and Catlow Hall Street are among those who reported problems with flies.

Cllr Britcliffe also said that he has spoke to the council and the owners of the disused shopfitting site about plans to spray the waste to help reduce the number of flies.

A spokesman for the Environment Agency said: “The investigation is ongoing and we should be able to provide an update soon. We’re looking into the whole site to resolve any potential issues.”

The agency was also called to Oswaldtwistle in August 2012 after it worked to clear 4,000 bales of illegally-tipped waste which caused a ‘plague of flies’.

Hyndburn Council has estimated it will take at least a week to remove the waste.

A spokesman said: “The Environment Agency is leading on the investigation into the recent fly-tipping incident in Oswaldtwistle but the council and fire service are providing advice and assistance as part of a joint exercise to facilitate its removal.

“The Environment Agency has confirmed the landowner is currently in the process of obtaining prices for the removal and safe disposal of the waste."

The owner of the site, Peter Ashton, declined to comment.