A LEADING motorists group fears work on two of Bolton's busiest roads could lead to increased disruption at a time when the rail network is in chaos.

Hugh German, vice-chairman of Bolton Advanced Motorists, says there will be more cars on the road as trains are delayed while emergency rail checks are carried out in the wake of the Hatfield crash.

And that could lead to greater congestion around St Peter's Way and Victoria Road where repair works will be underway in the lead up to Christmas, he said.

He said: "Whenever the trains are having trouble you get more traffic but the work does need to be done and we have to put up with it.

"It's a bit of a bad time to start the repairs, though, with the bad weather we've had this week. I do hope it doesn't delay the current work and they carry it out with the minimum of disruption."

Workmen operating on the A666 St Peter's Way are carrying out bridge repair work over a half-mile stretch of road for the next 17 weeks.

Meanwhile, Victoria Road, in Heaton, a key section of the A58 Bolton ring road, will be cut down to single-lane traffic for resurfacing.

A spokesman for Bolton Council said the work had been planned for some time.

He added: "It will inevitably cause some congestion but it needs to be done."

There will be a break for Christmas on both schemes to avoid causing disruption during the festive season - and ruining people's seasonal spirit.

Ray Sammons, chairman of Bolton Advanced Motorists, said: "The work in Heaton will cause a lot of disruption. Motorists will either have to go down side streets or go via Horwich but that would be a long way round.

"I just hope there are no plans for cycle lanes because that would cause all sorts of chaos to the area with narrower roads."

St Peter's Way will be hit as repairs are carried out at the bridge over Loxham Street, the Hall Lane subway in Moses Gate and the Manchester Road slip road bridge.