Residents of Oswaldtwistle are once again having to clean up after disrespectful people who keep littering in the area.

The photographs show multiple mountains of bags of rubbish that were collected from Tinder Brook by the Ossy Litter Pickers.

Some of the litter collected included gas cannisters, drink cans and plastic bottles, and food takeaway rubbish.

The Ossy Litter Pickers are a passionate group of volunteers who dedicate their free time to cleaning up the streets of Oswaldtwistle to keep it tidy and welcoming environment for residents and visitors.

Lancashire Telegraph: Box of charity bags that was found dumped in a bush in Tinder BrookBox of charity bags that was found dumped in a bush in Tinder Brook

Speaking on the sea of rubbish they encounter weekly, the Ossy Litter Pickers said: “We think the creation of ‘green areas’ is a brilliant idea which can only benefit the community. However, we have serious reservations about the upkeep of these areas as far as litter and rubbish is concerned.”

“The rubbish quickly mounts up and voluntary groups such as ours end up being the ones who clear it from the green areas and the brook itself.”

The volunteer group have announced that they will be taking a short break from litter picking and will return back to cleaning up the community in September, so there are growing concerns over the litter problems worsening if people don’t start cleaning up after themselves.

The volunteer group continued: “Most of the rubbish is non-biodegradable and harmful to the wildlife which is being encouraged to these areas.

“It seems counterproductive to create wildlife habitats only to have them ruined by human activity, killing the wildlife it is supposed to support.”

Last week, a plan for a new country park in Oswaldtwistle, called ‘Bury Meadows’, was accepted.

Cllr Caroline Montague, Hyndburn Council's 'Green Ambassador', said: "This country park development will support biodiversity and safeguard this wonderful outdoor space for future generations. I am really pleased the council are investing in this way and looking forward to being part of this exciting project.”

However, members of the litter picking group and some Oswaldtwistle residents aren’t convinced that a new park is the best idea, questioning who is going to keep the area clean.

Lancashire Telegraph: Another photo of rubbish collected in Tinder Brook by Ossy Litter PickersAnother photo of rubbish collected in Tinder Brook by Ossy Litter Pickers

One resident said: “I'm all for having a new country park in Oswaldtwistle but the picture above shows the state of the paths we have now. I hope money is going to be available for the upkeep of the new park.”

Conservative Councillor and Environmental Services Cabinet member Steven Smithson said: "As portfolio holder for environmental services in Hyndburn one of my top priorities is to tackle fly-tipping and littering. 

"We will be taking tougher action on people who blighted our communities here in Hyndburn. Ossy Litter Pickers do a fantastic job in Oswaldtwistle and I am proud to play a small part in this group and fully understand their concerns.

"The new woodland park at Bury Meadows in Oswaldtwistle is part of our wider plan to invest in all Hyndburn's town, with green spaces and facilities a key priority.

"The Country Park development will support biodiversity and safeguard this wonderful outdoor space for future generations."