THE owner of a takeaway near a town centre has hit out at people dumping rubbish for blighting the area around his business.

In recent months, food and drink items and household rubbish have been dumped in a back alley near Lala’s Takeaway in Randal Street, Blackburn.

The business owner, Abdul Toheed, said the problem had been more frequent since April, and fears the mess will discourage people from visiting the takeaway.

He is also concerned the rubbish will create ‘pest problems’ for his business and said that the smell has become ‘unbearable’.

Mr Toheed has called on people to dispose of their rubbish responsibly and ‘stop wasting the council’s time and money.’

He said: “I’m very disappointed with some individuals littering my back alley with household rubbish.

“At the beginning of April someone dumped food rubbish, and now again last night.

“I’m worried it’s going to cause pest problems for my business, which I try very hard to keep out.

“The smell is unbearable and I feel it is affecting my business.

“Last time this happened it took along time to have the rubbish removed as the council was very busy.

“My request to these individuals is to dispose of their rubbish responsibly and not cause distress to the rest of the community by their actions and wasting the council's time and money.

Cllr Suleman Khonat, who represents the area on Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “There have been a lot of community clean-ups throughout the area.

“One was done near the takeaway not so long ago but sadly people have dumped stuff there again.

“I would call on businesses to make sure the appropriate bins given to them by the council are provided and for users of shops and takeaways to ensure they put rubbish in the bins.”

A council spokesman said: “We appreciate the report of this waste in this back street and, following an investigation, we will remove it within two working days. Businesses do have a duty of care to keep their premises and surrounding areas clean from their waste and we will investigate anyone who does not comply with the legislation.

“People and businesses who dispose of rubbish and waste like this need to show more responsibility. This is a blight on the borough and costs the council vital funds and resources to clean up. Should anyone see rubbish being dumped, please make contact with the council.”