ATHERLEIGH resident Derek Higgs is at his wits end over an eyesore near his Croydon Avenue home.

A neglected Vauxhall Chevette sits idly outside a cornershop on Leigh Road gathering rust.

The car has been parked there for several years but the owner, Mr Hassul Patel, refuses to have it towed to the scrapyard.

He keeps the vehicle for "sentimental reasons".

And while the car is parked on private land, there is very little Mr Higgs can do to remedy the situation.

"I've complained to Wigan Council, the police, even MP Andy Burnham but there's nothing they can do.

"I'm surprised because the car is not fenced off and presents a possible hazard to the general public as it is literally falling apart."

As a last resort, Mr Higgs intends to collect signatures for a petition from local residents offended by the unsightly vehicle.

Mr Patel refused to comment.