AN angry councillor is alarmed that tree saplings are still growing out of dirty gullies in neglected streets in his ward.

Darwen East Liberal Democrat Paul Browne raised the blocked drains in roads including Greenway Street at November's full meeting of Blackburn with Darwen Council with then highways boss Cllr Phil Riley.

He raised the issue again at last week's Council Forum.

But he is not hopeful Cllr Quesir Mahmood, who took over the job when Cllr Riley became borough leader, will sort the problem.

Cllr Browne said: "It were last November when I asked Cllr Riley about the drainage in my ward and I sent him an email with the streets what needed doing.

"He sent two engineers up in January.

"So I give 'em the ten bob tour of the streets in my area.

"We went down half a dozen street and there wasn't one of the drains what would take water.

"They was all solidly blocked and they are still blocked to this day."

Quesir Mahmood said: "Paul if you want to send me through where the issues are I will look at it. Absolutely and we will see what we can do.

"So if there are blocked gullies in your ward I would suggest first of all reach out to the drainage manger. And if they are not done then bring them back to me and I'll see to it."

Cllr Browne said: "I am not hopeful. I don't believe the promise based on past history."