A VITAL scheme to strengthen Green Lane Bridge has been delayed for a year.

Bolton Council highways chiefs had hoped work could start on the priority site -- the main route to the town's hospital next month -- but have been forced to put back the project to January 2003.

Highways chiefs have implemented closures and weight restrictions on many rail bridges across town -- including Dobb Brow Bridge and Bradshawgate tunnel -- but are powerless to start work until vital information is supplied and financial matters are resolved with owners Railtrack.

The bridges are not strong enough to cope with potential traffic but there is a dispute about who should pay for the works which will run into millions of pounds.

Railtrack is only liable to pay for repairs to ensure that structures can carry vehicles weighing up to the old limit of 24 tonnes. It says all the bridges will be over this limit and thus would be the responsibility of the local authority.

Bolton's Director of Environment Ray Jefferson said: "We will continue discussions with the company in an effort to resolve this."