A Blackburn councillor is to appear in court next year charged with illegal fly tipping at a bonfire in a town park.

Councillor Hussain Akhtar, who represents ther Shear Brow and Corporation Park ward on Blackburn with Darwen Council will stand trial at Burnley Magistrates' Court on January 3.

The 75-year-old, of Shear Bank Road, Blackburn, pleaded not guilty to causing the deposition without an environmental permit of controlled waste in/on land, in relation to an incident which dates back to November 4, 2021, the day before last year's Bonfire Night celebrations.

It is alleged on this date Cllr Akhtar dumped waste, which included wood, metal, glass, electrical items and general building works waste at Witton Park in Blackburn.

He appeared before magistrates in August and entered his not guilty plea and was due to appear again on December 2, but his case was adjourned until January 3. 

Cllr Akhtar denies the charges against him.