A BUSINESSMAN said fly-tipping near his firm is so bad that he can’t drive down one street and has seen rats in the area.

Stephen Healey, who has been running Washington Garage MoT centre in Hornby Street, Bury, for approximately 20 years, said the streets across the borough are the worst they have ever been.

But he claims the issue is worst to the rear of his business, in Back Hornby Street, where trees are blocking the entrance and a sofa has been dumped, among other items.

Mr Healey said: “You can’t drive down because it’s blocked with conifers and rubbish.

“I have seen tyres, fridges, there’s a load of black bins just left there.

“It’s all sodden now in this weather.

“It is just a mess, there’s rats everywhere and God knows what else is underneath.

“It is disgusting and it is very frustrating, especially when I have to pay extra for my bins.

“It is getting worse year on year to be honest.”

Mr Healey said he has reported to fly-tipping to Bury Council several times since October, 2016.

“They have come down previously to take pictures and the environmental health staff came down, but nothing has been done,” he added

“It’s just getting worse to be honest, it’s just getting more each day.

“I’m paying £12,000 in business rates to Bury Council, which is due to go up even more, and this is what I get for it, which is not a lot, is it? I often drive through the back streets to collect cars, because I think it’s often quicker than taking the main roads, and I know so many streets from here to Rochdale are like this.”

Bury Council was unavailable for comment.