A senior councillor in Hyndburn is trying to get to the root of why gates have suddenly been installed across a public footpath sparking an outbreak of fly tipping.

They are across the unadopted road at Jaucourt Street in West Accrington, at the bottom of Princess Street, Monk Street and Park Road.

Since the gates appeared, black bags have started being dumped nearby.

Now Hyndburn Council leader Cllr Munsif Dad is trying to find out who put the gates up and why, and is seeking measures to keep the public right of way open and get the fly-tipping cleared.

As well as contacting the authorities he has also gone on Facebook to seek information.

Cllr Dad said: "Accrington West residents are up in arms after a public right of way footpath, which was installed with public funds, and public access roads, also has been regularly maintained with public funds, is blocked with gates installed on Jaucourt Street.

Dumped rubbish by the Jaucourt Street gatesDumped rubbish by the Jaucourt Street gates

"This area is now becoming a rubbish dumping tip with black bags being dumped near gates and inside gated areas, which is now becoming a health and safety risk to local communities.

"No one has owned up to installing the gates which are currently being left open.

"But they could be closed and locked at any time preventing pedestrians, emergency service and refuse vehicles and Lancashire County Council minibuses collecting and dropping off disabled children from having access.

"I am trying to find out who is responsible and see what can be done.

Litter louts have dumped rubbish in the streetLitter louts have dumped rubbish in the street

"Accrington West residents who have lived in this area for more than 50 years inform me that this has always been used as an access road and footpath on a daily basis to pick up and drop children from Hyndburn Park School, to go shopping at supermarkets on Hyndburn Road, and to take children to play areas.

"I have been liaising with Lancashire County Council highways and public rights of way departments, Hyndburn Borough Council planning and enforcement departments and local police to have these unauthorised gate barriers removed.

"I am in the process of arranging a public meeting to keep the local community informed of progress, seek their views and discuss further what actions we can take to resolve this situation."