CCTV cameras have been installed to monitor a fly-tipping hotspot in Burnley.

The lay-by on Bacup Road between Burnley and Bacup has a picturesque view of the Lancashire countryside, and provides a safe place for drivers to turn around in winter conditions as the elevation of the road rises.

However, its remoteness means it has also been plagued by frequent fly-tipping, which damages the local environment and is costly to clean up and dispose of.

Due to the industrial scale of recent incidents, council chiefs believe the perpetrators are 'professional' fly tippers who have collected the waste from businesses and residents before making several visits to the lay-by to dispose of it.

Lancashire County Council, working with Burnley Council, has arranged for remote cameras to be installed as a deterrent, and gather evidence for prosecutions in case of further incidents.

County Cllr Keith Iddon, cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "It beggars belief that anyone should deliberately damage our environment in this way.

"We've been working with Burnley Council and the adjoining landowner to clear up after these incidents, and monitor the site as best we can. However, we now need to take further action to deter further incidents.

"The quantities of waste being dumped, and the steepness of the terrain, make it particularly difficult and expensive to clean up, which is why we're now investing in remote cameras to monitor this area."

The cameras being installed as a temporary emergency measure. They have been sited at the entrances to the lay-by to provide an immediate deterrent to further fly tipping and allow time for consideration of more permanent measures.The cameras cover the lay-by and surrounding area.

Any evidence gathered of fly-tipping will be used to help bring the offenders to court.

Council bosses are asking for anyone with any intelligence about fly-tipping to contact either Burnley or Lancashire County councils so that we can investigate and prosecute those responsible.

They are also reminding everyone that they are responsible for ensuring their rubbish is properly and legally disposed of, and to use registered waste carriers.