FLY-TIPPERS dumped more than 150 tyres on a canalside path to avoid having to pay hazardous waste disposal fees.

The tyres were discovered on the footpath at the rear of Spring Street, Rishton, by a resident out for an early morning walk.

Hyndburn Council officials believe that a large vehicle drove down the footpath during the night and then dumped the car and lorry tyres in the grass.

Some of the tyres rolled across the footpath, blocking the route.

Malcolm Rawcliffe, who found the tyres, said: "I couldn't believe it when I saw how many had been dumped.

"This is usually a pretty green pathway but when you look down now all you can see is a pile of ugly black tyres.

"This isn't a bit of carelessly dropped litter ruining the view, it's organised destruction."

A 2006 EC Landfill Directive banned tyres from being disposed of as land fill. They are now classed as hazardous waste.

Illegal disposal of tyres can lead to heavy penalties, including an unlimited fine and up to two years jail.

Hyndburn Council, along with most other borough councils, does not have the facilities to deal with this and will refer businesses to a company that can get rid of the tyres safely.

Council leader Peter Britcliffe said: "The people who have dumped these tyres are not only breaking the law but they are ruining the environment.

"It might be costly for them to dispose of these materials properly but if we catch them, which we will, it will end up costing them a lot more."

Lancashire County Council will now remove and dispose of the tyres, while Hyndburn Council has started liaising with the Environment Agency in the hope of bringing a prosecution against the fly-tippers.

It is the second time this month that a large amount of tyres has been dumped in the borough.

The council was faced with having to clear up a number of tyres dumped on the Moorfield Industrial Estate in Altham.

Coun Peter Clarke, portfolio holder for the environment, said: "We want to find and prosecute the culprits."

Anyone who saw anything suspicious can contact Bill Berry on 01254 380612 or Maria Quinn 01254 380166.

Where are East Lancashire's worst fly-tipping spots? Have your say by submitting your comments below.