ROBERT Robinson thinks Burnley Council's refuse clearance is a load of old rubbish - and he is considering legal action to try and prove it.

Mr Robinson said he complained about a backyard on Ford Street, Duke Bar, two weeks ago and, despite repeated phone calls, the debris continued to grow.

He claimed he even saw street cleaners sweeping up litter and adding it to the pile in the backyard!

Mr Robinson, of nearby Rylands Street, said: "I have been in contact with the county court and I am considering suing for breach of contract. If I report refuse in future and it takes more than 48 hours to remove it I will be considering legal action."

He said there was a mattress, bed base, smashed fish tank and road cone among the rubbish and said the smell was terrible and would attract rats in summer. The house was set on fire after the occupiers left and has since been vandalised by children.

Environmental health and cleansing manager Andrew Mason said he had passed on the complaint to UK Waste, which is responsible for rubbish collection in the borough.

He added: "The only call I have logged from Mr Robinson is from Tuesday. We have given the complaint to UK Waste and it is being attended to.

"If it is UK Waste that is removing the rubbish then it might be correct that the company has sent workers round to clean the road and the rubbish is put in the yard before the lorry attends to remove the bulky items." Mr Robinson has written to Mr Mason to explain what he intends to do if his complaints are not acted on more quickly.

Two years ago, Mr Robinson found used syringes in the gully on Rylands Street and again made numerous phone calls to the council before they were removed.

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