A NEW war on fly-tipping was launched after it was revealed cases of illegal dumping rocketed 300 per cent in just three years.

Blackburn with Darwen Council is piloting a new project in back streets around Darwen which involve regular clean-ups and no-dumping signs.

It is hoped that by targeting certain streets regularly, they will be able to find evidence of rubbish as soon as it is dumped, to prosecute those responsible.

The Environment Agency is also using CCTV cameras in dumping 'hotspots' around the borough.

Darwen MP Janet Anderson went to see the new system in operation last week.

She has helped the council map out areas where residents are complaining about fly-tipping, using letters she has received.

Blackburn with Darwen direct services chief Peter Hunt said: "Dumping or fly tipping has increased in Blackburn with Darwen by 300 per cent over the last three years, costing the council tens of thousands of pounds to clean up.

"It also presents the wrong image to law-abiding residents and visitors to the area."

Over a period from April to September 1999, direct services carried out 613 fly-tipping jobs. That same period this year rose to 2,248.

However, the council has come under fire for placing a ban on vans using household waste and recycling centres, even if they are only dumping domestic rubbish.

Coun Paul Browne, leader of the Lib Dems, said: "Until they change the rules on the tips, the amount of stuff being dumped in streets will continue to go up. It is as simple as that.

"People won't make the effort to take it to a commercial waste centre where they have to pay, when they can dump it for free on the road, even though it is illegal."

There are two council-run household waste and recycling centres in the borough and the council provides a free household bulky collection service.

To arrange collection of any bulky items, telephone the cleansing helpline on 01254 585921.