RESIDENTS in Farnworth have spoken of their joy at Bolton Council’s announcement to re-surface a pothole-strewn road.

A 530-metre stretch of Plodder Lane is due to be resurfaced, starting tomorrow, from the junction with Mossfield Road to just past Marsh Lane and Bradford Road, as part of the council’s borough-wide road maintenance programme.

Laburnum Road will also be resurfaced within the £409,000 scheme, which is scheduled to finish in June.

Plodder Lane, which is used by many drivers as a cut-through to the M61, will remain open but will operate temporary traffic signals at certain times of the day. Some weekend closures will also be required in order for two junctions to be repaired safely.

Residents and businesses will be able to access their properties during the work and have been informed of the plans.

Accountant Faraqut Hussain, aged 37, said: “I totally approve of the plans to resurface the road. There are so many bumps and holes dotted about – it’s dangerous. The temporary traffic lights may cause a problem but it will be worth it once the work is done.”

Philip and Pauline Howell have lived on the road for more than 30 years.

Mr Howell, aged 68, said: “It’s about time they sorted the road. I’ve already had to replace the suspension on my car once, and with the amount of dust and stones that fly from the road it’s only a matter of time before there’s a bad accident. I am very pleased it’s being sorted.”

Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Environmental Services, Cllr Nick Peel, said: “Plodder Lane is an essential route for the hospital and to the motorway and it is in significant need of improvement.

“While every effort will be made to minimise disruption, we know this work will cause major disruption. I would like to thank residents, motorists and businesses for their patience and co-operation, and apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused during these works.”

For more information: contact the customer helpline on 01204 336677 or e-mail highways@bolton.gov.uk.

DIVERSIONS:

May 10 and May 24 — traffic will not be able to enter or exit Bradford Road and Marsh Lane at their junction with Plodder Lane.

May 17 and May 31 — traffic will not be able to enter or exit Harper Green Road and Laburnum Road at their junction with Plodder Lane.