CONTROVERSIAL proposals to improve safety on a dangerous road where 129 people have been injured in the last six years, will go ahead.

A final decision on plans for pedestrian islands, cycle lanes and new markings in Bury Road, Breightmet, was made by Bolton Council at a meeting this week.

A petition by local residents who support the scheme was handed in at the meeting by pupils from nearby Leverhulme Primary School.

The matter was referred to Full Council from the environmental services scrutiny committee, which looked at the scheme following Conservative fears over congestion.

Cllr Stuart Lever outlined the Conservatives' concerns. He said: "Considering that this scheme would not have prevented a single accident from those listed in the figures, we think the risk and the social impact on the surrounding streets is not worth the reward.

"This scheme will lead to cars taking other routes just to save a few minutes.

"These schemes cause more trouble then they are worth and are of very little benefit, if any at all."

Issues were also raised about traffic being slowed down causing congestion and blocking access for the emergency services.

Cllr Nick Peel, Labour's executive member for highways, reiterated the main aspects of the scheme and said the measures would help the situation.

He added: "There will be no reduction in lanes. The scheme is simply for four crossings to help pedestrians cross the road.

"We have to trust what our highways officers tell us; that this will improve safety.

"No one can say this will stop all accidents but it will benefit pedestrians and the only people who will lose out are inconsiderate drivers.

"A petition has been presented from the local Breightmet people which is telling us to get on with the work, loud and clear, and we aim to do that."

After a heated debate councillors voted 35 to 21 against the Conservative motion that the scheme be reconsidered, meaning it will now go ahead.