GRIEVING families have been left struggling to say a final farewell to their loved ones because of road works.

Bereaved relatives heading for Relph's chapels of rest in Blackburn Road, Bolton, have found it impossible to park because of a major highway scheme.

"People have been very good about it all," said funeral director Mark Relph, "but some customers have been forced to park well away from us and often they are elderly."

Problems started four weeks ago when council contractors moved in to improve Blackburn Road's junction with Simpson Street near Relph's Funeral Service.

work also involved closing a public car park next to the family business - forcing customers to try to find parking spots further away.

Problems got so bad that Relph's took out a public notice in the BEN to express "deep regret" at the inconvenience caused to customers during "their time of greatest need".

Now the undertakers are offering to drive bereaved folk from their homes to the chapels of rest in a bid to ease any distress.

"The situation can't be helped," said Mr Relph, "but it is also very inconvenient."

Council bosses say their £750,000 road scheme - funded by Bolton City Challenge to improve access to Tonge Valley - will not be finished until March.

But alterations to the car park regularly used by Relph's customers should be completed soon.

"With a major road improvement like this clearly it is impossible to avoid some inconvenience," said Bolton Council's assistant engineering director, Adrian Golland.

"What we try to do is to minimise problems and we are always happy to discuss any difficulties with people."

Anyone experiencing difficulties getting to Relph's should call the firm on 01204-523488.

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