HALF a million pounds has been spent on resurfacing a main road in Horwich — and the price tag has been described as 'indicative' of the current problems facing Bolton's highways department.

The major road improvement works, costing £506,000, have been taking place in Chorley Old Road, between Horwich Cemetery and Wallsuches, since September 4.

Temporary traffic lights have been in place during the works, which are reportedly due to be finished within the next week.

Cllr Kevin McKeon, Horwich North East ward, said he was pleased with how the work had progressed but described the cost as 'surprising' but explained it takes into account labour, the machinery and the materials.

He said: "I think it is indicative of the problems that the highways department face in having to work on the roads.

"I am very conscious that residents will ask why their road has not been done. It might help residents to see why their road is not being done when they see the costs."

As well as paying for the workers, other expenses include the materials and the heavy machinery needed for the resurfacing.

The work has been done as Bolton Council's programme to improve major routes across the borough.

The resurfacing was due to be complete by Friday, October 13, but is ahead of schedule.

Cllr McKeon said the road was in a 'reasonable' state but said the work was to ensure it was up to the 'highest standard' and had not been done because of any safety concerns that had been raised by people living nearby.

He said: "I have heard many people say that spending is concentrated in Bolton however this is yet another example where one of Horwich’s major and strategic routes is benefitting.

"Along with a new Leisure Centre soon to be opened and the improved Brazley Centre and the continued investment into Horwich Town Centre, we are doing extremely well as an outlying part of the Borough.

"This section of Chorley Old Road is very well used and the top surface had deteriorated so it is a very welcome re-surfacing scheme along with new drainage." Roadworks can be viewed at bolton.gov.uk