A COUNCIL investigation has been launched after huge quantities of fly-tipped rubbish were dumped in Bolton.

Pictures show a large pile of waste ditched on private land at the corner of St George's Road and Dawson Lane.

Dozens of bags of rubbish as well as children's bike and toys, oven gloves, mattresses and two-seater sofas were left strewn across the site.

Bolton Council said it was 'completely unacceptable' and has launched an investigation to take action against those responsible.

A council spokesman said: "We are aware of this fly-tipping which is completely unacceptable.

"This is private land and we served an Abatement Notice on the owner on February 14 requiring them to clear the rubbish. As this has not been complied with, we will now remove the rubbish and charge the landowner for the work.

"We are also investigating who is responsible for dumping the rubbish and we will take appropriate action against any perpetrators."

Further complaints have been made about sofas, beds, cabinets, doors and other household waste fly-tipped in Drayton Close, off Halliwell Road.

A resident, who did not wish to be named, said the garbage had been there for at least six weeks.

He said there was another bed and two-seater sofa in the undergrowth at the back of Rushey Fold Lane.

In a separate case, a woman has been fined £1,000 for 'blighting the lives of her neighbours' after failing to remove rubbish from her back yard and front garden.

Victoria Hibbert, aged 26, of Shrewsbury Road, will also have to pay £325 costs and a £100 victim surcharge.

Bolton Council received a complaint in May 2017 but when housing standards officers visited the property one month later, they found foul-smelling black bags, a duvet, bedding, carpets and underlay in the back yard and front garden.

Hibbert was issued with an Abatement Notice requiring her to remove the waste which she ignored.

The council was forced to clear her rubbish and Hibbert was found guilty in her absence at Bolton Magistrates’ Court of failing to comply with the Abatement Notice.

Cllr Elaine Sherrington, Bolton Council’s cabinet member for housing, said: "There is simply no excuse for this kind of inconsiderate behaviour which blights the lives of neighbours.

"This fine sends a clear message that we will always consider prosecutions when requests and legal notices are ignored."

Complaints about waste on private land can be made on 01204 336500 or housingstandards@bolton.gov.uk