RESIDENTS are demanding urgent action to clean up an alley which has become a dumping ground.

Coun Dave Smith is urging residents on Joseph Street, Darwen, to shop the serial tippers who are creating 'mounds of mess' in the street behind the houses in an effort to clean up the area.

The Sunnyhurst ward councillor said: "It's an absolute mess behind those houses and it always has been. It's a disgrace to Darwen and the street is the dirtiest in the town by a long shot.

"The council clean it up four times a year but I've been there the day they've cleaned it up and two days later, it's piled up with rubbish again.

"It never changes, it's always been a mess and I think the residents on Joseph Street are quickly losing their patience with it."

Residents said they don't know who's responsible for the mess, but fear it might be children who are causing a nuisance in the area.

Russell Rickard, 40, of Joseph Street, said: "We are absolutely sick of it and it's been really bad for the past few months and it just keeps getting worse.

"I look out of the back window and all I see is disgusting rubbish. We have no idea who's to blame, but there are always kids hanging around the area so it could well be them."

Neighbour Carol Hargreaves said: "There's dirty nappies, empty bottles and cans and all sorts of things out there.

"I can't let my two young children play out there because it's disgusting and we're all furious about it. We could have rats because it's a breeding ground for them."

Lillian Peel, 59, added: "We've reported it to the council a few times but every time they've come, it's filthy a few days later.

"It's absolutely shocking and you see all sorts out there. I've seen fridge freezers, sofas and everything. It's just turned into a dumping ground."

Coun Dave Hollings, Sunnyhurst ward, said: "It shouldn't have gone on this long and it's time for people to start watching out for the people who are doing this."

Coun Mohammed Khan, executive member for housing and neighbourhoods, said: "We take the issue of flytipping very seriously and will investigate when it's reported to us.

"We received separate complaints about flytipping in this area on Tuesday and Wednesday in this area and this will be actioned."

Residents should report flytipping to the council on 01254 585921.