FLY-TIPPING has been described as a "very big issue" in Darcy Lever.

In recent days and weeks a number of photos of litter and fly-tipping have been shared on the Darcy Lever Residents Association Facebook page.

One of the more recent posts shows polystyrene and other rubbish left in woodland close to Higher Darcy Street.

David Meehan, Conservative candidate for Little Lever and Darcy Lever highlighted the main problem areas.

He said: "It's a very big issue. We've had recurring issues along Gorses Road, the Gravel Pits, Aqueduct Road, and Leverhulme Park.

"It's a lovely spot here and it's disgraceful the way it's happening.

"People are doing it at night because it's quiet and dark. I've even caught people doing it before by chance and sort of said 'what are you doing?'

"There are people in unlicensed vans doing it but I think some of it is residents just dumping. Some certain estates struggle with recycling.

Mr Meehan voluntarily runs the Little Lever and Darcy Lever litter pickers group, alongside Kiera Hall.

He added: "I've run that for around a year and a half.

"We generally aim to pick every Sunday and I've lost count of the number of bags that we've filled in that time.

"It's been difficult recently with it being winter but hopefully as spring comes, we get more and more people out.

"We're picking at the top of Radcliffe Road this weekend."

Mr Meehan reports all instances of fly-tipping he sees directly to the council and he is encouraging all residents of Darcy Lever to do the same to try and nip the issue in the bud.

"Anytime I see it, I get straight onto the council website and report it," he said.

"It's just the case of filling out a simple form and it's not difficult to do at all.