MOTORISTS are being blamed for causing bin collection chaos.

Hundreds of Atherton homes in the Wardour Street-Hamilton Street areas were left with unsightly over-flowing bins after parked cars kept bin wagons at bay.

Lorry drivers made two attempts in six days to gain access down alleyways but couldn't get through because of parked cars claimed a Council spokesman.

But livid locals weren't happy as piles of rubbish mounted behind their homes.

Lynne Maxwell, of Wardour Street, told the Journal said: "Rubbish is right across the alleyway. Kids have been kicking rubbish it across the ginnel.

"It's not just me who is complaining -- most of the elderly people have come here to retire.

"My dog has already been cut on some rubbish."

Partially-sighted Lynne is also worried she might trip over the extra rubbish.

And she said that there were a number of days when the alleyway was not blocked and bin wagons could have gained access.

A Wigan Council spokesman said the registration numbers of the cars causing the blockage had been taken and the owners would be notified.