RESIDENTS are being urged to have their say in order to make Bolton a safer place to live.

People are being asked to tell the council about locations in the borough where improvements could be made to calm traffic - in a bid for local areas to improve the walking and cycling environment while emerging safely from the Covid pandemic.

Town hall chiefs are particularly interested in hearing about “pinch points” or areas where the pavements are so narrow that you have to keep squeezing past other people to get to your destination.

Council bosses are also exploring the possibility of implementing ‘pop-up’ cycle facilities in an effort to support cycle commuting.

If residents are aware of rows of businesses, with parking and narrow pavements outside, where people are queuing regularly and unable to stay two metres apart, then this should be voiced in the consultation as well.

Regular speeding and “rat running” - whereby motorists cut through quiet estates to take shortcuts, is also becoming an issue - and the Council want to hear about it.

People with mobility issues are also being urged to voice their concerns.

Across Greater Manchester, walking and running for exercise is up 120 per cent, while cycling is up 45 per cent.

A council spokesman added: “We want to promote the safety of key workers and those returning to work as they travel about and improve the environment for residents on their local streets.”

“We have already started the process of implementing emergency measures such as the narrowing of Newport Street between the bus station and train station to provide wider pedestrian footpaths.

“The council is also looking to bring forward elements of our Mayors Challenge Fund (MCF) walking and cycling proposals through the implementation of model filters.”

The survey can be filled out on the Bolton Council website.