BOLTON Council has apologised to residents of an apartment block after their bins were left uncollected.

Residents of Fernbank Gardens in Little Lever complained to the local authority after a collection was missed, and said the council agreed to rearrange it.

But they claim a further two rescheduled collections also did not take place, with bin bags being piled on top of existing rubbish in the bin store — which serves 12 apartments — with residents complaining of flies and smells.

Mum of one Christina Riley, aged 40, said she had been unable to open her door because of the smell.

She added: “There were 50 bin bags in front of the bins.

“There were flies all over it. I’ve got a patio door but I’ve got to keep it closed because of the stink.

“A few of us have complained, but the council only register it as one complaint because we’re from the same block.”

Another resident, who did not wish to be named, said: “It’s bad enough when a bin for one house isn’t emptied, but this bin store serves 12 households.”

After The Bolton News contacted Bolton Council about the problem, Ms Riley said a refuse wagon arrived to remove the rubbish, a week after the original collection was due to take place.

A council spokesman, said: “We would like to apologise for missing this grey bin collection.

“We have now emptied the bins and collected the bags, and we will monitor the situation to ensure the bins are not missed on future collections.”