Householders have been urged not to pour oil down back street drains after council workers spent a day unblocking them in one neighbourhood.

Councillors Salim Sidat and Yusuf Jan Virmani spent the day with workers assisting with the clean up in Audley, Blackburn, cleaning behind Ripon Street, Lambeth Street and Queens Park Road among others.

Many drains get blocked with a build-up of debris, silt and leaves others are caused by fats, oils and grease.

Cllr Sidat said: “It was a mammoth task. Due to cutbacks we only have two wagons dedicated to unblocking drains across the borough. The team did a fantastic job.”

“We asked people on social media to tell us where the problem drains were in the Audley area. Quite a lot of people got in touch.

“They were absolutely filthy and completely blocked and I would urge residents not to pour oil and sweep other rubbish into the drains.

“These can cause major issues and make matters worse. Please if we can all work together we can keep it clean.”

“As alleyways are gated these areas are normally inaccessible so it would be the residents who need to take responsibility in ensuring rubbish is not swept into the drains.”

Cllr Sidat said the drains teams would be out again soon.

“We are looking at heading out again in the coming weeks and I would urge people to get in touch and let us know if there are problem drains that we could tackle.”