LITTER left lying around one of East Lancashire’s landmarks has been branded “disgusting” and hazardous to wildlife.

Pictures of rubbish dumped close to Peel Monument, built as a memorial tower to Sir Robert Peel above Ramsbottom, were snapped by local Paul Lambert.

He said: “I often take my son Samuel, who is five, for a walk up to the tower.

“Each time I’m embarrassed when he points at the unbelievable amount of rubbish that is strewn across the entire area.

“It is disgusting that people should treat the area like this.

“It’s a health hazard and a danger to wildlife.”

Ramsbottom Cllr Ian Bevan, who lives in Whalley Road, said he was “disappointed” at the news.

He said: “I agree with Mr Lambert. It’s a beautiful spot and it’s a heritage area.

“I would like to think walkers and visitors would take the litter away with them.

“And I would expect people who bring packed lunches with them to take them away too.

“It’s disappointing that this happens.

“It doesn’t happen all the time but when there’s good weather or an event up there, it does.

“Most people are sensible and look after the environment but this does happen from time to time.”

Cllr Bevan said he would speak to Bury Council, which is responsible for the area, to see if any bins could be installed close to the monument, but admitted getting access to empty them would be “difficult”.

Also known as Holcombe Tower, the monument sits on Holcombe Moor, and is 1,100ft above sea level.

It was funded with £1,000 of public subscription money and opened in September 1852.

Inside the 128ft tower is an extract to Sir Peel’s speech to the House of Commons in 1846.

The tower closed after the Second World War but was reopened in November 1985.