Grimewatch

A LANDOWNER has been ordered to clear his land of rubbish by council bosses after complaints from residents.

Blackburn with Darwen Council has served a notice on the owner of a site between Ribblesdale Place and Crompton Place, Bank Top.

The landowner, who has not been identified, has until March 11 to clear up - or face possible prosecution and a hefty cleaning bill.

Christine Newton, of Ribblesdale Place, is one of the 12 residents whose properties overlook the site who signed a petition calling for the clean-up.

She said: "It has been cleared up before and for a couple of weeks it was OK, but then people started dumping stuff again. "We have actually seen people throwing stuff on. There are two three-piece suites, washing machines and goodness knows what else."

She said the site attracted children who play among the rubbish - often putting themselves at risk.

"There is so much glass there it is dangerous for kids to play on, but as soon as the weather gets better the kids are out there lighting bonfires. The fire brigade are up here at least once a week right through the summer," she said.

"Last year, our cars got covered in paint left there and one time there was a big gas canister. We were really worried there would be an explosion because we have seen kids throw aerosol cans onto bonfires."

The residents have taken the matter up with Blackburn MP Jack Straw, who has written to the council in support of their complaints, and Wensley Fold councillor Mohammed Khan.

Coun Khan has appealed for people to make better use of the council's waste collection service.

Blackburn with Darwen Council's director of housing and neighbourhood services, Phil Richards, said if the landowner did not clear the site by March 11 the council would do it and bill the owner. He said prosecution would also be considered.

He said if the site was considered dangerous they would step in to ensure it was made safe but at present the main problem appeared to be a straightforward case of flytipping.

A planning application - not thought to be from the landowner - has been submitted to Blackburn with Darwen Council for four homes on the site and residents are pinning their hopes on that.

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