RESIDENTS are taking action to tackle a rubbish problem which they claim is caused by Blackburn Rovers fans on matchdays.

And they have called for a warden to patrol the car park behind Wolseley Street to prevent people dropping litter before and after games at Ewood Park.

Rhona King, of Wolseley Street is involved with the Ewood and Furness Community Association, and has organised a clean-up operation on the car park, owned by Blackburn with Darwen Council, next Saturday.

She said: "On a big game there could be up to 40 cars parked on the car park and when they come back they just dump their rubbish on the floor."

People also come and dump bin bags full of rubbish on the car park and Mrs King feels the council should be doing something about it.

Mrs King contacted Beverley Ashburner, of Mill Hill Community Centre who has asked Capita, which operates soem key services for the council, for support and to get some bins and signs placed around the car park.

Ms Ashburner said: "This is a great idea because we hope to be able to bring the community together and to make young people more aware of the problem and make them feel proud of their area."

Ray Grimshaw, assistant director of regeneration and environment at the council, said: "The car parks in that area are mainly used by Rovers' fans on matchdays, but are used at other times.

"After matches at Ewood Park, the area immediately surrounding the stadium is swept by the street cleansing team. If residents wish to report fly tipping or excessive litter, we would urge them to call the cleansing hotline on 01254 585921 and we will respond."

Mrs King is looking for volunteers to take part in the clean-up on April 26, starting at 10am and finishing around 1pm.

For more information contact Mrs King on 01254 580628.