TONNES of building waste has been dumped in a bridleway near a nature reserve.

The waste, which includes a burnt mattress and rubble, was found all over Town Bent Bridleway in Oswaldtwistle.

The track, near the Plough Hotel, off Fielding Lane, is popular with walkers and is just metres away from the Jackhouse nature reserve.

Resident John Mullen, of Foxhill Terrace, hit out at the "mindless" dumpers.

He said: "I often walk along that route and I was horrified to find waste spread everywhere.

"The weather is getting nicer now and there are more people that use the lane for a walk.

"I dread to think what visitors to the area will think."

As well being used by walkers and horseriders, the path is also used to access allotments.

Oswaldtwistle councillor and Hyndburn Council leader Peter Britcliffe said: "These people are parasites that blight Hyndburn and East Lancashire.

"If we catch who has done this we will prosecute them to the full extent of the law.

"If anyone has any information I would ask them to call the environmental health department."

Hyndburn has suffered a number of fly-tipping incidents recently. Last month building waste contaminated with deadly asbestos was dumped at King's Highway in Huncoat.

And last year Hyndburn was named as having the dirtiest streets in East Lancashire.

A council spokesman said the waste would be cleared when it has been checked for evidence about who was responsible.