PIGSTY!

DISGUSTING . . . the pig's head found among rubbish in a locked alley in Hathershaw

PIG-HEADED fly-tippers showed total disregard for residents when they dumped their waste in an alley.

Philip Wright (34), of Arran Avenue, Hathershaw, was shocked to find the severed head of a pig dumped along with other rubbish in the alley behind his house.

Although Philip, who moved to the area from Ashton six months ago, said he is used to the alley being a hotspot for fly-tipping, he could not understand how someone had got hold of a pig's head, adding "it's like I'm living in a pig sty."

Bone

He believed the head, which he described as being like something out of sit-com "The League of Gentleman", was fairly fresh as there were no maggots on it.

As well as the pig, there was other waste including a large bone. Oldham Council has now cleared the area. Philip said during his time in the borough, the council has acted quickly when contacted about fly-tipping in the alley.

He did suggest however, that measures to prevent it such as CCTV, are needed.

He said: "Give them their due, they have cleaned it up several times, but this time I noticed a pig's head.

"We just don't understand how it has got there, how somebody could come to have a pig's head. There is lots of other rubbish there as well. It is like something from 'The Godfather' or 'The League of Gentleman'.

"We moved from Ashton about six months ago and since we have been here it has been a tip. They do come out and clean it up but it is ongoing.

"The head is recent because you can see there are no maggots on it, it is disgusting. There has been raw fish in the past and we have had problems with mice.

"I've asked the council to put cameras up because when it is cleared you go out the next day and something has appeared again."

Councillor Barbara Brownridge, Oldham Council's Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and co-operatives, said they have introduced CCTV footage to the area, as well as other affluent fly-tipping sites in the borough, and would be reviewing the footage to catch the person responsible.

She urged residents to report any information that may help catch fly-tippers.

She said: "It's not the council that dumps the waste ­- it's your neighbour or someone coming from outside leaving blight in your area or street.

"Please help us catch these people ­- if you have any evidence that identifies them let us know.

"We need residents to continue to work with us on this and we will investigate and prosecute if there is evidence."

You can report fly-tipping or the dumping of waste via the online form at www.oldham.gov.uk/ or by calling 0161-770 2244.