Waste sparks ‘mozzy’ fears

TONNES of industrial waste dumped at a warehouse has still not been cleared – two months after an investigation was launched.

With warm summer temperatures arriving there are increased concerns that waste flytipped at a warehouse in Oswaldtwistle at the end of March could soon cause another outbreak of the ‘Ossy mozzy’.

In 2012, Oswaldtwistle was hit by a swarm of flies after more than 13,000 tonnes of industrial waste being dumped on Nook Lane. Two men later received large fines.

Environment Agency (EA) bosses say they are working with Hyndburn council and a pest controller employed by the landlord of the Stonebridge Lane site to monitor the situation until the waste is cleared.

But as yet there has been no indication of when the rubbish will be removed.

A spokesperson for the EA said: “We are working with the landowner, who is responsible for the site, to minimise any impact on the local community.

“Officers from the Environment Agency and Hyndburn Borough Council have been on-site with a pest controller employed by the landowner and we will continue to monitor the site until the waste is removed.”

Coun Peter Britcliffe (

has urged ‘swift action’ over the flytipping.

He said: “The warmer weather is now with us and I am desperately worried that the town faces another flies epidemic similar to the one we faced in 2012.

“Some very urgent action is now needed by the council and the Environment Agency.”

A Hyndburn council spokesperson said: “Officers from the Environment Agency and the council are continuing to monitor the site to check for the presence of flies and odour and are still working with the landowner to ensure the waste is removed.

“The latest visit was undertaken on Friday, May 26 and no problems were encountered.”