THE Environment Agency is monitoring an industrial estate after reports it had become a "fly tipping haven".

Officials from the agency are to keep Moorfield Industrial Estate, Altham, under "close surveillance" following a number of complaints.

Altham councillor, Rennie Pinder, said that action needed to be taken.

He said: "Fly-tipping is something Hyndburn Council will not tolerate.

"Moorfield Industrial estate has become a fly-tipping haven.

"In the past the estate has been an area where fly-tippers were safe from being caught, but it is only a matter of time before those acting illegally are prosecuted.

We are meeting with the Environment Agency and other agencies to deal with the problem."

Coun Pinder said that Hyndburn Council was working hard with other agencies to tackle the problem, but claimed the Environment Agency was a "weak link."

But the Environment Agency has hit back and said it was already tackling the problems which it treated "very seriously".

Lee Collins, Environment Agency officer, said: "We're keeping Moorfield Industrial Estate under close surveillance and we are currently investigating incidents of illegal activity including fly-tipping and companies operating without the correct licences.

"The Environment Agency takes the issue of fly-tipping very seriously.

"Those responsible for incidents at Moorfield should be aware they can expect to face a fine of up to £50,000 and or six months in prison sentence."

Anyone aware of fly-tipping is asked to report it to Hyndburn Council on 01254 388111.