PLANS to replace black bin bags with wheelie bins for thousands of Runcorn homes have incensed residents.

Elderly and disabled householders say they are too heavy for them to push.

Others who live in terraced homes with no rear entrances say the wheelie bins are an eyesore.

A retired man from The Calvers, who does not wish to be named, said: “We’ve now got two huge bins, a black one and a blue one, outside the front door.

“They are an obstacle and look unsightly.”

More than 6,000 households across Runcorn New Town have only ever used plastic sacks for their rubbish.

So far, 2,800 of these properties have been reviewed and 2,400 provided with wheelie bins as a replacement programme is rolled out.

Some properties have been deemed unsuitable because of steps or not having an accessible collection point.

One young mum from The Calvers said: “We’ve been given two big bins because they are only emptying them once a fortnight.

“Plastic bags in the bin cupboard were tidy and out of sight. Now all you can see are enormous wheelie bins.”

Jimmy Unsworth, Halton Council divisional manager waste and environmental improvement said: “Moving households from a sack to a wheeled bin service will improve the quality of the service.

“Bin sacks can get ripped and rubbish spills out. Wheeled bins reduce the health and safety risks.

“Overall the reaction has been very positive with the vast majority welcoming the change of service.

“Whilst some residents were disgruntled at having to store bins at the front of their property, this is no difference to thousands of other households across the borough that are required to do likewise.”

Halton Council says a pull-out service can be arranged for anyone who has difficulty moving their bin and smaller wheelie bins can also be provided.

Anyone experiencing problems with their bins is urged to contact the council.