A resident has called for action from the council after she says ‘bottle diggers are out of control’ in Bolton.

Michelle Fisher from Darcy Lever told The Bolton News that when she was out walking her dogs this week she came across a big hole in a footpath.

The footpath runs from Raikes Lane, all the way to Smith’s Road, which can be joined via a tunnel off Manchester Road.

Michelle’s main concerns are that it is a danger to the public, some trees have been damaged, and that the green belt is shrinking.

She said: “It’s a dangerous hazard on a public footpath and ready to collapse at any time.

The Bolton News: This is the size of the holes that Michelle nearly fell downThis is the size of the holes that Michelle nearly fell down

“It’s used by walkers and cyclists all the time.

“I walk my dogs elsewhere now.

“This area has been targeted by bottle diggers over the last few years.

“And it always destroys plants and trees, leaving big holes.

“I can tell it’s them because you can see all glass and ceramic debris and the mess left behind.”

The Bolton News: Some of the unwanted debris left behindSome of the unwanted debris left behind

Michelle also says that she almost fell in one of the holes as she was walking along the path.

There were also several other holes that had been dug, as well as a tree that was uprooted.

Bolton Council has since said they are currently considering ‘the most appropriate action’ and are aware of the issue.

She added: “It’s ridiculous.

“These people are out of control and arrogant to think can do what want and without consequences. “They are putting lives in danger and uprooting trees and plants all for a hobby looking for old bottles.

“It’s so selfish.

The Bolton News: Some of the damage caused to the footpathSome of the damage caused to the footpath

“Bolton Council need to act and enforce a ban.

“It it’s out of control in Bolton. “

Michelle says she has also seen people digging for Victorian bottles before and when she approached them for damaging tree roots, that they were ‘very rude’.

A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: “We are aware of this issue and are considering the most appropriate action to ensure public safety.

“Such activity without the landowner’s consent is potentially criminal damage. 

“We would ask that people do not participate in such activity and to advise the police if they have any information as to who is responsible.”
Bottle diggers are usually digging for old Victorian bottles, which could be worth anything from £15-100

Damage to a woodland in Astley Bridge was also reported to the police, and the council helped to fill some of the holes in.

Concerns were also raised two weeks ago by resident Daniel McNally, after another 40ft hole was left in a woodland area in Astley Bridge.

Read more: 

​If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.