A COUNCILLOR is backing the Bolton Evening News Pride of Bolton campaign and urging people to stop dumping unwanted household items on Tonge Moor streets.

Nick Peel says he is disgusted with people who continue to dump old mattresses, sofas and even cookers and fridges in his ward.

But to make matters worse, Bolton Council actually runs a free pick-up service for bulk items. Many councils now charge for this service but councillors in the town have opted to keep it free.

Cllr Peel who lives in Birkdale Gardens said: "There is just no excuse, I am sick of it. It is a big problem in the area and these people are nothing more than thoughtless idiots."

Regular dumping haunts include the back of Thicketford Road and the Firwood estate, where there have also been old sofas, rolled up carpets and broken televisions abandoned on a regular basis.

Cllr Peel is urging anyone who sees someone dumping items to report them as soon as possible.

He warned: "They will be prosecuted. People should respect their neighbours. Every time something is dumped it costs the tax payer." Cllr Peel himself reports at least one case every fortnight.

The Pride of Bolton is a campaign being run by the Bolton Evening News to try and encourage people to respect their town and make it a better place to live.

To arrange for a bulk item to be collected or something which has been dumped in your area to be picked up ring Bolton Council on 336600.

DISGUSTED: Cllr Peel