Burnley town centre is becoming over-run with rats - some the size of cats - councillors have been warned.

Jimmy Pilling, who owns several properties in the area, has accused the town hall of failing to act and singled out open bins behind Ellis's Burgers in Manchester Road as one of the causes of the infestation.

He attended the borough's Full Council meeting on Wednesday night to plead for action.

The restaurant's owner, Kyle Ellis, said he was doing all he could to tackle the problem and would clamp down on staff leaving the bins open,

Mr Pilling told the meeting: "I am here tonight to speak to you about the large infestation of rats in Burnley centre.

"For the past nine months myself and the tenants of York Street have been battling furiously to try and get rid of them. We haven't succeeded yet.

"One of the main things is that the main food bar on Manchester Road, Ellis's, has always got the bins open, wide open.

"A rat can climb 20 feet so it's easy for them to get in the bin. It's a banquet for them.

"They're in the flats on Ormerod Street.

"They got a pest controller in there four weeks ago and he opened a cupboard and there was a large rat there.

"When I say large rat I mean the size of a cat. He shot it.

"I have spent with the tenants on York Street £1,500 this year alone trying to get rid of them.

"We're not getting any help from the council whatsoever."

The council's environment boss, Cllr Lubna Khan, said: "Street Scene has been made aware of the issues and efforts have been ongoing to improve the area at the rear of York Street.

"The council's pest control contractor arranged a thorough one-off cleanse to the area although this is private land and not the council's responsibility.

"If there is any work we can do with you Mr Pilling, I would be happy to help"

Mr Ellis said: "I am aware of the issue. The problem is a shared back alley where the bins are kept.

"I recently spent a fortune getting it pest proofed. I am in regular discussions with the council and doing my best to keep on top of this.

"If the bins are occasionally being left open I will speak to my staff and clamp down on it."

Liberal Democrat group leader Cllr Gordon Birtwistle added: "This council has the legal powers and really should be leaning on this restaurant. It is ridiculous they are getting away with this."

Conservative Cllr Don Whitaker said: "I find it absolutely ludicrous these vermin are running about and we don't seem to be doing anything about it."