AN angry resident has accused Bolton Council of wasting time and money by not monitoring its street repair workers.

Mr Richardson claims two workmen spent two weeks and used two diggers just to repair a short stretch of pavement.

He said: "The council is always pleading a lack of money but they do not monitor the work that is taking place."

Mr Richardson said he approached the two workmen carrying out paving work at the corner of Bradshawgate and Great Moor Street and asked them if they were actually going to be doing any work.

"I saw them on their mobile phones and eating outside of their lunch break but when I questioned them they just told me I was being a nuisance and walked off.

"They are shirkers not workers. The council should hold them to account but it doesn't."

"Officers think they rule the council and can do what they want with the budget."

Mr Richardson raised the issue at a Little Lever and Darcy Lever area forum meeting on Tuesday.

He revealed that he had submitted a Freedom of Information request to establish why the work took so long and how much it cost but no-one was able to enlighten him.

Cllr Sean Hornby, who sat on the panel at the meeting, said: "I will try and get some answers but if things don't move fast enough I will submit it as a question at the next meeting of full council."