A LANDLORD has claimed that his trade could be damaged by litter bugs dumping rubbish on land near his pub.

Craig Cotton is backing a campaign by residents to clean up the eyesore at the back of the Lidgett Hotel, Great Harwood.

He fears residents' claims that the fenced-off land is becoming a breeding ground for rats could drive away customers.

A question mark hangs over the land's ownership and Hyndburn Council has sent environmental health officers to the site off Blackburn road to investigate the rubbish problem

Mr Cotton, who runs the pub with his brother John, stressed his business had not been directly affected by the pest problem and had sailed through its annual health and safety inspection with flying colours.

He said: "We've been here for just over a year and can catergorically state that there has been no problem.

"The fear centres around rumour and its potential knock-on. Our regulars include many nearby residents who know there isn't a worry where the pub is concerned.

"But others, without full knowledge of the situation, may get the wrong end of the stick and stay away.

"It's obviously a worry and that is why we are as keen as the local residents to get this matter sorted out as quickly as possible.

"They can count on our full support in the call for action."

He added that the rubbish problem was forcing him and his brother to reconsider plans for a beer garden at the back of the pub.

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