A MAN has described the streets in some areas where he lives as being ‘like a warzone’ thanks to fly-tippers.

Mushtaq Ahmed, 50, who lives in Whitefield, Nelson, is infuriated by regular fly-tipping in his back alley which he says is a constant problem.

Mr Ahmed, who lives on St Mary’s Street, has reported the issue to the council on a number of occasions and spoken to councillors, including council leader Cllr Mohammed Iqbal, about the problem and is hoping that something more will be done.

Mr Ahmed said: “Is there no pride left in the streets?

“It’s a mess, it’s like a warzone. I have seen rats with my own eyes.

“It’s becoming an eyesore. People should be ashamed of themselves.”

The back street has overflowing bins, doors, shoes, lampshades, a vacuum cleaner as well as a huge pile of plywood cabinet doors.

Mr Ahmed has said that the council needs to be checking areas to make sure they are clean and free of waste and feels that areas such as Colne are looked after better than Nelson.

He added: “Our area is our home, it’s not a dumping ground.

“Why is the council not doing checks on streets and back streets and getting this cleaned up?

“This has been in the backstreet for a few weeks now and the council hasn’t bothered to come and clean this up.”

Pendle Council’s environmental services manager David Walker said: “We received the complaint about fly-tipping on the back street of St Mary’s Street Nelson on Thursday, October 7, and we are sorting this problem out.

“This area is regularly patrolled by our enforcement officers who always arrange for any fly-tipping they find to be removed.

“It’s a big help to us if local people can provide us with information to help us investigate these environmental crimes and catch the culprits, such as any vehicle registration numbers.

“Pendle Council has been reminding businesses and individuals that they have a legal duty of care to dispose of their waste properly.”

The council provides a free bulky household waste collection service for items such as furniture, freezers and washing machines and will remove DIY waste such as bathroom suites, bricks and rubble for a minimum charge of £24.