TWO residents have been ordered to pay £230 each after their ‘disgusting’ anti-social behaviour saw them dumping rubbish on the streets of Blackburn.

Lonel and Carmed Mirea, of Audley Range, Blackburn, had been leaving their household waste to the rear of Longton Street and Audley Range.

Magistrates heard that evidence found in among the rubbish pointed to the couple but they failed to appear in court and so were sentenced in their absence.

They were fined £110, ordered to pay £100 costs and a £20 victim surcharge each.

Salim Sidat, councillor for Audley, said: “I saw that rubbish and it was absolutely disgusting.

“I don’t know why they thought they could get away with this.

“It is not fair to the law abiding citizens and the residents in our community who try to keep the place clean.

“We have had a few incidents in the area recently and it can’t be tolerated.”

In the past three months there have been seven convictions and one caution, as well as another five people currently awaiting court dates for disposing of their waste illegally.

In the light of this, the council now says it is going to clamp down on anyone who fails to dispose of their rubbish legally.

Councillor Jim Smith, executive member for environment, said: “This is the essence of disgusting, dirty and anti-social behaviour.

“I’m delighted we have been able to prosecute the culprits responsible.

“They may have thought it was a good idea at the time but after a court case, a hefty fine and their names appearing in the local press I hope they, and others, will think twice about doing this in future.”