RISHTON residents were unable to open their windows after a plague of flies descended on a fly-tipped alleyway.

A fridge freezer, full of rotten food, was dumped in the back alley in Hermitage Street, attracting the bugs.

One resident described the fridge freezer, which contained packets of raw meat, as ‘disgusting’ and a ‘health hazard’.

It comes after a council crackdown on fly-tippers, which has seen several residents prosecuted in court or ordered to clean up their mess.

But the problem is not getting any better, according to Rishton councillor, Ken Moss.

He said: “The problem has definitely got worse recently and there are a number of factors for this, not least of which is the closure of the recycling centre in Great Harwood by the previous Conservative administration at Lancashire County Council.

“I would urge all residents to point the finger if they know who is tipping. All information will be treated in strict confidence but it is the only way to prosecute these people.”

The Burton Street, Talbot Street and Hermitage Street alleyways have all been the target of illegal fly-tipping in previous weeks.

The areas have been cleaned by a team at Hyndburn Council but new items have been appearing daily, Coun Moss said.

Fly-tipping and rats at the site of the old sausage factory between Noble Street and Haworth Street were also reported to the council and police.

Coun Moss said: “The factory has long since been demolished and the site walled around with boarding but fly-tippers have dumped items ranging from builders’ rubble to household waste which has to be regularly cleared.”

The environmental team at Hyndburn Council will contact the site’s owners, he said.

Eyewitness statements have been submitted to councillors in the town. They have been passed to enforcement officers for investigation.

Coun Moss added: “Residents are reminded that [the council] offers a free collection service for bulky items.”

Call 01254 38811 to arrange a collection.