Residents who say they feel unsafe crossing a busy road could soon see a new zebra crossing installed – but not everyone is convinced it is the right solution.
Works are expected to begin on Frederick Street, between Lidl and Farnworth Fire Station, after safety concerns were raised about pedestrians crossing the road near the route to Asda's car park.
The scheme was proposed by councillors, following requests from residents and assessments carried out by highways officers.
Cllr Paula Connor-Bennett said: "We were approached by residents feeling unsafe crossing there.
"There's been a lot of parked cars and stuff making it more difficult to cross.
"Why people just can't park on Asda car park and Lidl, I don't know, or on the health centre rather than just pulling in on the side street."
The zebra crossing would be installed on Frederick Street, where councillors say pavement parking and visibility issues have made crossing difficult for pedestrians.
Road markings have already appeared on the pavements, indicating work could start soon.
Cllr Connor-Bennett said: "Sometimes when I'm crossing Frederick Street, cars come flying around that corner as well.
"I know Frederick Street's quite windy, you can see the speed some of the cars come up and down that road."
The councillor said the proposal originated from residents rather than elected members and was intended to improve safety.
She said traffic would only be stopped when pedestrians were crossing and did not believe the scheme would significantly affect congestion in the area.
However, Farnworth councillor Julie Pattison said she had received negative feedback from some motorists about the plans.
Mrs Pattison said: "We've had a lot of negative resident feedback, and motorists, because of the whole design of Market Street.
"I know the zebra crossing is from the Albert Road side, however, it's still having a knock-on effect in terms of traffic build-up."
She said congestion in Farnworth had worsened in recent months and questioned whether another crossing would help.
Cllr Pattison added: "The backlog already is horrendous.
"I can't see how another zebra crossing is going to help, to be honest."
The councillor also pointed to an existing pedestrian refuge near the proposed crossing site.
She said: "If you have a look at the road design, where they're proposing the zebra crossing, within a matter of metres, you've got the chicane in the middle for crossing over the road.
"If that's not helped, and they've already got a safe way to cross the road anyway, I can't see how this zebra crossing is going to make that much difference."
Farnworth and Kearsley First councillors have previously said residents reported vehicles parking on pavements, drivers swerving around parked cars and pedestrians crossing through gaps between stationary vehicles.
The crossing was subsequently included within council core funding following highways assessments.
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