LITTERBUGS in Rossendale have been warned after six residents were fined for dumping rubbish within a fortnight.

Rossendale Council said it had launched a crackdown as the fly-tipping increased the risk of rats being attracted to the area.

Environmental enforcement officers received numerous complaints about rubbish dumped at council car parks in Haslingden and Waterfoot.

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Council leader Alyson Barnes said the problem was a strain on resources and “blighted” the environment.

Waste bosses were first alerted to a large amount of rubbish dumped at a car park in Bacup Road, Waterfoot, on January 5.

Staff discovered carrier bags, black bags and cardboard next to the textile and shoe recycling containers, directly below a No Fly Tipping sign.

They found evidence relating to five different households in Rossendale, suggesting that each left a small amount of rubbish.

A council spokesman said: “The waste was in a prominent location in Waterfoot town centre and not only looked unsightly but could also attract rats to the area. It was also expensive for the council to remove – it took two council officers one hour to remove all the waste, which then had to be taken to landfill.”

All five people were issued with £75 fixed penalty notices.

In a second incident, at John Street car park in Haslingden on January 16, a smaller amount of waste was found dumped by the textile and shoe recycling banks, and another resident was handed a £75 fine.

Councillor Barnes said: “Illegally disposing of rubbish, even a small amount, blights the environment and has consequences. The council spends thousands of pounds removing illegally deposited waste each year – money that could be spent on other services.

“Offences like these are taken very seriously by the council and enforcement action is taken against anyone caught littering.”

So far, four of the six penalty notices have been paid, which means the householders avoid being prosecuted. for depositing the rubbish. The offence carries a maximum fine of up to £1,000.

The council spokesman added: “As well as receiving a doorstep household waste and recycling collection, householders can take their waste free of charge to the household waste recycling centre at Duckworth Clough, Haslingden.”