Roadworks could cause chaos in town centre (From The Bolton News)

Roadworks could cause chaos in town centre

8:48am Monday 4th March 2013 in News

DRIVERS are being warned to expect traffic chaos as Westhoughton town centre’s main street undergoes a £24,000 revamp.

Traffic calming will be in place in Market Street for the next six weeks as major work starts today.

Work will involve speed humps being re-laid and block paving being replaced. There will also be partial road closures on weekdays. The speed bumps have been in place for more than 15 years — their expected lifespan.

Cllr Christopher Peacock, who represents Westhoughton North and Chew Moor, said: “Bolton Council gave us the money to spend for Westhoughton.

“Considering the amount of money being cut, we feel is money well spent on the town centre.

“I am hopeful it’s a proactive way of maintaining streets and I hope it will help Westhoughton stand out as being one of the best in the area.”

Cllr David Wilkinson, a member of the town council, said work needs to be done to the road, but it was starting two years after it was originally suggested.

He added: “I believe this was scheduled for last year but it’s only just getting down as work has been carried out in Bolton first, as usual. I have been told the work will be carried out between 8am and 4pm.

“I will be watching them closely to ensure work is being carried out between those times. I hope they will be working efficiently by doing a ramp at a time rather than the whole street to save disruption.”

Cllr David Chadwick, who represents Westhoughton South, said there was never a perfect time to do the work but, if it is not carried out, the funds might not be available in the future. He had requested temporary bus stops in Mill Street and Cricketers Way to minimise disruption.

l For more information about the roadworks, call Bolton Council’s customer helpline on 01204 336677.