UNCOVERING the town's past could provide the answer to the borough's crumbling roads, according to a councillor who is campaigning for the "beautiful cobbles" to make a return to the streets.

Susan Baines, councillor for Horwich and Blackrod, believes revealing cobbles in certain areas would not only provide a long term solution to dealing with pothole ridden roads but also improve areas such as the "abysmal state of the streets of the" Railway terraces in Horwich

She said: "I have met with many residents living in these historic homes, which many elder residents tell me they used to take pride in living in, however, nowadays the streets are ravaged with huge holes almost everywhere.

"Why the beautiful cobbles were covered with tarmac in the first place is both interesting and in my opinion bizarre, as cobbles would help to slow down vehicles using these sloping streets and therefore be a benefit. Several residents would really like the cobbles to be returned, as indeed befits the history of these homes, that were once for the Railway workers."

Cllr Baines added: "I feel that the cobbles could realistically return on these historic streets as they have done in nearby Rochdale in the Spotland regeneration area.

"They are aesthetically pleasing and really serve to promote the history of the area.

"I feel these railway terraces in Horwich are really of salient historical importance as railway workers resided in them in the late 1900's and we need to remember that Horwich Loco Works made the small village of Horwich into a thriving and affluent area, employing hundreds at a time of great unemployment nationally.

"I also feel that the cobbles will be more durable and could even be replaced with natural stone materials, as is happening in other areas. People like cobbled and patterned driveways for example.

"The benefits would be to help with speed calming and would serve to encourage resident pride. Many residents have told me, they would love their original cobbled streets to return."

Cllr Baines said fears about health and safety could be overcome by leaving foot paths as they are and pointed to the fact there are cobbles in the historic areas of Bolton town centre. She believes her idea will be met with resistance, but believes her call is important.

"Having pride in the area makes a difference, people look after the area they live in and each other, it promotes social cohesion," said the councillor, who has organised a litter pick as a starting point to improve the area.