WITH 931 miles on the clock and 33 years of use, it’s no wonder the wheel of Mr John Hall’s wheelie bin fell off.

So, the Holcombe pensioner was not only surprised, but angry, when he was told he would have to pay £35 for a new black bin.

Mr John Hall, aged 74, has to move it 500 metres down the lane every collection day, owing to the remoteness of his home off Branch Road in Holcombe.

He said: “I’ve had the bin for 33 years. The wheel came off once before, about two years, ago, and I managed to repair it that time, but I can’t do anything with it this time.”

Mr Hall, who has recently received hospital treatment for his legs, said that since the wheel came off he has been unable to drag the broken bin to the end of the lane.

He said: “I urgently need a new one as I’m just having to store my rubbish in black bags, which is attracting rats."

However after hearing his appeal, Bury Council have now made an exception in light of Mr Hall's circumstances, and have decided not to charge him the standard £35 administration and delivery charge to replace the bin.

Councillor Alan Quinn, cabinet member for the environment, said: “Bins cost a lot of money to replace, which is why we make a charge for admin and delivery of replacement grey bins. 

"However, given Mr Hall’s personal circumstances and the remoteness of his home, which means he has had to drag his bin a considerable way for many years, we have decided on this occasion to waive the charge.”