SPARE land near a Darwen beauty spot is becoming a dumping ground, residents claim.

The waste land off Halley Road, near to Sunnyhurst Wood, formerly used for garaging, is now blighted by fly-tipping of household goods including plastic crates, bricks and bags.

Residents say it is also attracting groups of local children who are causing a nuissance.

One resident, who has lived in Halley Road for more than 21 years, said: “There is a list of people in this area who want something to be done.

“It’s absolutely terrible. It used to be lovely gardens with daffodils growing, but now the children come and run all over it.

“They throw stones at our cars as well and the language they use is a disgrace.”

A resident of Earnsdale Road, whose house overlooks the land, said action should be taken to clean up the area.

He said: “It’s an awful place to look out on. The sooner it is developed, the better.

“There used to be garages on there until about three years ago, then they were knocked down and the land gradually became derelict.

“It’s just a dumping ground now.”

Coun Dave Hollings said: “It’s upsetting a lot of people in the Halle Road and Earnsdale Road area.

“It’s been reported by several people and the council are acting even though it’s not their problem.

“People think that once one person has dumped stuff there, they can too. I hope that the owner takes up his responsibility and removes the waste.”

Principal environmental health officer Colin Clark said: “We have spoken to the owner and asked him to clean up the litter on the land.

“If he doesn’t comply, he will be served with a litter clearance notice.

“This means that he has to clean up the land and keep it clear of litter or face a fixed penalty notice.”