THE spirit of the Commonwealth Games is definitely NOT flowing through the streets of Prestwich around Heaton Park thanks to selfish motorists.

That's the claim from frustrated residents living in the area of St Margaret's Road who say they are like prisoners in their own homes because of the volume of cars parked nearby.

With the lawn bowls event being held in Heaton Park, householders have already been suffering from the effects of the UK's biggest sporting event.

Vehicle access to Heaton Park, via St Margaret's Road, has been restricted to Games officials and competitors only for the past two weeks and will continue until August.

But motorists, who cannot gain access to the park in their cars, have insisted on leaving their vehicles in the surrounding streets turning it into one big car park.

St Margaret's Road resident, Margaret Lee, said: "I can't believe people can be so ignorant and inconsiderate. They have stopped cars from going into the park this way but they are parking on the streets instead. There are signs up saying 'residents only parking' but they have been ignored."

Mrs Lee said the parking situation had caused traffic mayhem with some motorists parking on double yellow lines and double parking, adding: "Traffic flow is shocking. I have never seen such an unorganised event in my life. If there had been a fire, there's no way an engine could have got through."

She added: "Even an official car from the Games was parked across our driveway the other day and my husband could not get our car out to go to the shops. It is absolutely disgusting and selfish. We are trapped in our own homes."

A spokesman for Manchester City Council said there would be no access for the general public via St Margaret's Road entrance until August 10 and alternative access could be gained via Sheepfoot Lane or Middleton Road.

A spokesman for Bury Council said: "We are trying our best to dissuade people from parking there and have put up signs."

Holyrood councillor Vic D'Albert said: "We would ask people to be responsible about how and where they park in the area. Provision has been made in the park by the City Council and using local streets is not acceptable and not fair on the residents."

A spokesman from Prestwich police said they would be increasing patrols during the Games.