A COUNCILLOR has vowed to ‘push’ council officers for action to clean up an alleyway where a tower of fly-tipping has grown even higher.

People living in Wensley Road, Blackburn, complained to the Lancashire Telegraph after the alley became ‘dangerous and an eyesore’ when dumping of furniture and household items began in April.

However, Blackburn with Darwen Council did not remove the rubbish, which includes a fridge freezer and sofa, and said it was under no obligation to carry out the work because large parts of the alley were privately-owned.

An application for security gates on the back of the alley was also refused by the council.

Now, Wensley Fold councillor Dave Harling has said he will try to get the rubbish cleared up.

He said: “I will report this to the cleansing team again, and I will try and push them to clear it all up.

“The issue is that large parts of the land are privately-owned, which means that it technically is not the council’s responsibility to clear any rubbish left.

“The other issue is that the big cuts the council has faced have meant that our capacity to deal with fly-tipping, especially complex situations like this one, has reduced.”

Resident John Smith, 66, who contacted the Lancashire Telegraph in July, said: “The rubbish has just got worse and something needs to be done as soon as possible.

“It’s a health risk, and it’s unpleasant for people who have to live near it.”

Another resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “It’s dangerous and an eyesore and I’m at a loss as to what we can do.

“It’s left residents in a very problematic position because no-one is willing to move the items.

“I understand that it is not council-owned land, but surely as we are residents they should strive to do something to help us, regardless, because otherwise they are failing to ensure the welfare of everyone who lives in the town.”

Anyone who witnesses someone dumping rubbish, or acting suspiciously, is urged to telephone 01254 585921.