THERE are fears a decision to shut two bridges at the same time for building work could put people at serious risk — because emergency services may be delayed when called out.

Concerns were expressed at a meeting of Blackrod Town Council that the upcoming closures of Station Road in the village and Grimeford Lane in nearby Adlington could prevent fire engines and ambulances getting to people in need of help promptly.

The roads will be closed when Network Rail carries out work to rebuild the bridges as part of its work to electrify the train lines on the Bolton corridor.

The provisional plans would see Station Road shut from January 30 until June 11 and Grimeford Lane, which connects to it, will be closed to the public from March 6 until June 11.

Ward councillors have already called on Network Rail not to close both roads at the same time, predicting chaos in the area.

The issue was discussed at the final Blackrod Town Council of the year,.

Resident John Price said: “The real concern about these works is the effect on emergency services, these are direct links for the fire and ambulance services between Horwich and Blackrod.

“It is all well and good saying just go a different way round but that other way will cause long delays.”

Ward Councillor Ann Cunliffe agreed. She said: “Network Rail did originally say they wouldn’t do them both at the same time, I am fuming about this, I think its appalling.”

Cllr Cunliffe confirmed that further disruption may also be caused when two roads in Chorley are also closed for similar bridge rebuilding work.

Rawlinson Road will close from January 5 until May 27 and the A6 at Skew Bridge will be closed from January 26 until June 19.

Cllr Stephen Laycock said: “Emergency services is the major concern and I think we need to write to each service to find out what their contingency plans are, what provisions do they have for Horwich and Blackrod.

The councillors were told that Network Rail plan to organise a public meeting to discuss the issues with local people soon.

The rail firm has previously stated that it has “worked closely” with Bolton Council to minimise the length of the closures.