A fly-tipper has been issued with a fixed penalty notice after around 20 bags of waste were illegally dumped in a Blackburn back alley.
Blackburn with Darwen Council said it received a report of rubbish being left in an alleyway on Wolseley Street, prompting an investigation by one of its Environmental Crime Officers.
When officers visited the site, they discovered approximately 20 bags of waste that had been dumped illegally.
The rubbish was searched, and evidence was uncovered linking the waste to the person responsible, the council said. A fixed penalty notice has since been issued.
The enforcement action comes as Blackburn with Darwen Council looks to intensify its crackdown on fly-tipping across the borough.
Last month, councillors were asked to approve a £505,000 investment package aimed at tackling environmental crime, supporting faster waste removal, tougher enforcement measures and cleaner neighbourhoods.
The proposed funding would be used for enhanced CCTV coverage, further investigative work and targeted action in fly-tipping hotspots.
Councillor Phil Riley, leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council, previously said: “Residents rightly expect clean streets and neighbourhoods they can be proud of.
“Fly tipping is frustrating for communities, costly to deal with and can make areas look neglected.
“This proposed investment demonstrates our commitment to tackling the issue head-on.
“It will help us respond more quickly, improve environmental standards across the borough and strengthen our efforts to identify and take action against those responsible.”
The council has highlighted its recent success in pursuing waste crime offenders. Last year, it issued 93 fly-tipping penalties worth £32,838, one of the highest totals recorded nationally.
Councillor Jim Casey, the council's executive member for environment and communities, has previously warned that those responsible for dumping waste illegally should expect enforcement action.
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He said: “Fly tipping is simply not acceptable.
“It blights communities, affects local pride and creates unnecessary costs for taxpayers.
“Our aim is clear: cleaner streets, quicker action and stronger enforcement.”
Following the latest incident, the council is reminding residents to dispose of waste responsibly and use Household Waste Recycling Centres for items that cannot be placed in household bins.
Residents who witness fly-tipping are urged to report it through the Blackburn with Darwen Council website.
Officers say photographs, exact locations and vehicle registration details can help investigations and improve the chances of enforcement action being taken.
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