COUNCIL chiefs in Rossendale will use new powers to crack down on people dumping vehicles and leaving them to rot in the Valley.

Town hall officers have launched a Fast Track Removal service to deal with abandoned vehicles over fears that abandoned cars can be a breeding ground for anti-social behaviour.

Under the new powers, burnt out and vandalised vehicles will be removed within 24 hours, as well as cars 'at risk' of vandalism or arson.

As part of the move, drivers will be given until the end of August to get rid of old bangers for free in a vehicle amnesty.

But after the deadline officers will also promote Voluntary Vehicle Surrender as part of a wider strategy to tackle the nuisance. For £55, the council will arrange to remove and crush unwanted cars.

The services have been introduced to make the most of new powers granted to Rossendale Council as a result of the Clean Neighbourhoods and Environment Act 2005.

The legislation allows the council to remove cars immediately from private land, private roads and un-adopted roads if they are defined as 'abandoned'.

Coun Peter Steen, executive member for streetscene and liveability, said: "We hope the new priorities system will make a big contribution to reducing incidents of anti-social behaviour, vehicle arson and related issues.

"Abandoned vehicles are a big concern for both councillors and local people. I am delighted this new system will allow us to get rid of some abandoned cars within 24 hours. This is a real improvement on the service that was previously available."

He added: "Removing abandoned vehicles more quickly will also reduce the threat to public health and safety and will have a positive impact on people's quality of life."

Councils no longer have to display notices on abandoned vehicles considered potential targets for arsonists and vandals. Instead, three levels of service will be provided depending on the amount of risk involved, which could see vehicles removed and destroyed immediately or stored in a compound.

Priorities will be decided by a qualified person carrying out an on-site risk assessment, considering issues such as whether the vehicle has any dangerous parts or if any windows are broken.

The person will also see if the vehicle is secure, has a current tax disk, is in a dangerous location, if it could harm the community or is likely to attract anti-social behaviour.