A HUNT is under way for the owner of a bus which has been abandoned in a lay-by off a busy Rossendale Road.

The single-decker vehicle, with the words ‘Big Magic Recycling Bus’ emblazoned on the side, has not moved from the A56 lay-by near the Rising Bridge roundabout since July, leading to speculation over who owns it and what purpose it is serving.

The bus is taxed until April 30 next year, so the DVLA said it has no reason to remove it.

Lancashire County Council’s highways team said parking restrictions do not apply to the lay-by, so it is not in breach of any rules.

Police said they could not take action under the Road Traffic Act because it is parked off the highway.

In addition there is room in the lay-by for other vehicles to park, so it is not causing an obstruction, officers said.

Bosses at Viridor Waste Management confirmed the vehicle used to belong to them and was taken to schools in West Sussex as part of a scheme to teach youngsters about recycling. But the firm sold the bus at proTRUCK auctions, Doncaster, at least four months ago.

And the auctioneers said they could not reveal who the vehicle was sold to as details of sales were confidential.

The bus has prompted debate and speculation on a website forum for Valley residents.

One man, who asked not to be named, said he passes the bus on his way from his home in Rawtenstall to his work in Accrington.

He said it had been parked in another lay-by, near Carrs Industrial Estate for several weeks, but was moved to its current location at the beginning of July.

“I think somebody has probably bought it and then had nowhere to store it, so they’ve parked it there and left it,” he said.

“It doesn’t really effect me personally, but if I was a lorry driver I’d be pretty mad because it’s taking up a lot of space.”

Rossendale Council said officers would try to ascertain who owns the bus so they could ask them to outline their intentions for the vehicle.