A FED-UP Halliwell pensioner sees red every time she tries to use a pelican crossing - even though it is not working.

Elsie Barton has blasted Bolton Council for failing to make the repair a priority and leaving pensioners and young children stranded as they try to cross busy Halliwell Road.

Mrs Barton says the pelican lights have not been working near to the junction of Eskrick Street for more than three and a half months.

And despite repeated calls to Bolton Council, nothing has been done.

Mrs Barton, aged 78, who lives in Halliwell, said: "I think it's disgusting. The crossing is just next to a primary school.

"I can understand workmen switching off the lights to re-lay a footpath but it shouldn't have been off for so long.

"It takes me 10 minutes to cross the road. It is a very busy stretch. You see some young children just missing cars and many times I've seen cars pull up to let people cross."

A council spokesman said: "All the crossings on Halliwell Road have been reduced in width as part of the City Challenge works in the area.

"At this set of lights, when the controller unit was being replaced, it was found that the electrical supply was at fault and further work has to be carried out to correct it. This should be completed as soon as possible.

"We are aware of the importance of these lights and we are working to have them reconnected as quickly as we can."

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