THE flytipping of hundreds of tyres at a beauty spot has been branded as ‘disgraceful’ and ‘disgusting’ by residents and councillors.

A police investigation has been launched after a public footpath was blocked when a lorry dumped the load.

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The move sparked outrage amongst people in Read who have called for the culprits to be brought to justice.

Cllr Doreen Collinson, of Read Parish Council, said: “I think it’s disgusting and I can’t believe someone would do something this stupid.

“If they have that much to dump they should be prepared to take it all to a dump.”

Cllr Lesley Graves, who represents nearby Simonstone, said: “I detest flytipping and I’m absolutely furious that this has happened in Read.

“Flytipping is in everyone’s area across Lancashire and no one should have to put up with this kind of selfishness.”

Police said on Sunday an eyewitness saw a lorry offloading a mass of scrapped tyres onto the footpath off Whalley Road, which is now inpassable.

A padlock on the gate was broken to access the path, officers said.

Lancashire County Council said it was also investigating and trying to trace the owner of the land.

One concerned resident, who owns land in the area, said: “There are literally hundreds of tyres here and the path is completely blocked.

“It’s a public footpath and because of the dumping its sealed off from use.

“It’s not fair for people in the area to have to pick up the pieces every time someone feels like littering.

“From what I gather someone saw the lorry and took the licence plate so I hope whoever did this is caught sooner rather than later.”

A spokesman for the police said: “A lorry was sighted at 9.45pm on Sunday and a padlocked gate off Whalley Road was broken into.

“An eyewitness alerted police to the incident but so far no one has been arrested.

“We have now launched an investigation.”

A spokesman for the county council said: “The tyres appear to be blocking a public footpath and we’re grateful that this has been brought to our attention.

“We will now investigate further.”

Cllr Stuart Hirst, leader of the Ribble Valley Council, said: “It’s absolutely disgraceful that someone could have this completely cavalier attitude to the beauty of the Ribble Valley.

“I hope the police are successful in their investigation and whoever did this is duly and rightfully punished.”