THE Mayor of Darwen has described residents who dump rubbish in their own communities as ‘pigs’.

Coun Paul Browne said he would buy a drink for anyone in Darwen who could name a back alley in the town that is dirtier than the one between Preston Street and Snape Street in the Sudell area.

Coun Browne said he has had Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council street cleaning teams to the alley three times in four months to clean piles of household waste, but the problem kept returning.

He said: “I’m having a major problem with the amount of rubbish put out into the backs in Snape Street and Preston Street.

“They’re absolute pigs. There’s all sorts being put out there including furniture, food, clothing and dog muck. You wouldn’t think you were living in England.

“I’ve been up there three times with the council cleaning teams and yet it’s back to how it was.

“Now I want them get into the bags, get names and addresses and prosecute. It’s the only way anything will get done.

“It will attract rats in that state. If anyone can name a back street in Darwen that’s worse than that, I’ll buy them a drink.”

Tom Skipson, 35, of Snape Street, agreed with Coun Browne. He said: “I have three children and I won’t let them play out at the back because of how bad it is. It’s absolute murder.

“I’ve had three wheelie bins stolen though recently, so it’s difficult sometimes knowing where to put the waste.”

A resident of Snape Street, who asked not to be named, said: “I’ve lived here for 40 years and it’s got really bad since all the renters came in.

“People are here today, gone tomorrow, and Paul is right, they are pigs.

“The only way is to get the names from bags and prosecute, but it’ll be difficult getting the money of these lot.”

Coun Faryad Hussain, executive member for environmental improvement and sustainability, said they would prosecute fly tippers.

He said: “This practice causes great disruption and upset as well as being a health hazard.”

He asked residents with information on fly tippers to call 01254 585921.

Do you know a worse fly-tipping spot? Add your comments below.