Council chiefs have outlined their intentions of turning Bolton into a greener borough.

The Bolton News has reported this week how many roads in the town are set to break new toxic Nitrogen Oxide pollution limits recently set by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Nitrogen Dioxide fumes emitted from vehicles cause more than 1,200 deaths in Greater Manchester every year, according to Clean Air Greater Manchester. (Clean Air GM)

This has led to calls to improve the public transport network in Bolton, with The Bolton News asking the council how they plan to protect residents from increasing pollution levels, especially from cars.

Emphasis has been placed on encouraging residents to walk or cycle with the soon to come into force, but controversial, Clean Air Zone also key to reducing pollution.

Council leaders said they have also set an example for businesses by replacing its fleet of bin waggons with green vehicles.

Bolton Council's cabinet member for Regeneration, Cllr Adele Warren said: “We are working towards bringing down pollution levels in our communities through our climate change strategy and this includes a shift towards more sustainable transport and encouraging residents to walk or cycle.

“The Greater Manchester Clean Air Zone (CAZ), which will be implemented from May 2022, will also improve pollution levels. Over £120 million worth of funding has been secured to help owners of vehicles affected by the CAZ upgrade to less polluting models.

“Work to make roads around Bolton Interchange more efficient for drivers and safer for cyclists and pedestrians is near completion and there is a public consultation taking place on plans for a multi-million-pound major new pedestrian and cycling scheme in Bolton.

“We are looking at ways we can support businesses in switching to cleaner vehicles and the council itself is committed to reducing carbon emissions across its buildings and fleet. Most recently the council replaced its bin waggons with cleaner and greener vehicles.”

A public consultation is currently underway on a proposed walking and cycling scheme from the town centre to Doffcocker.

Plans have been drafted to create a quieter route through residential areas, as an alternative to Chorley New Road and Chorley Old Road.

This initial phase would start on Park Street, north of Queen’s Park, and heads west towards Lonsdale Road.

Later phases would connect the pathway to Doffcocker, with proposed crossing 'to provide safer cycling and walking conditions at key intersections'.

Significant changes that would be made here include blocking motorists from accessing Chorley New Road from Park Street and Chorley Old Road from Marcus Street.

To have your say on these proposals, visit towntodoffcocker.commonplace.is.