Bolton Council is set to invest £725,000 in substantial road improvements across the borough, targeting 15 key routes. This funding is part of their budget for the 2025/26 fiscal year. The initiative aims to enhance connectivity between neighborhoods and town centers, creating vibrant spaces for shoppers, residents, and visitors.
Details of the Road Improvement Scheme
Approved during a recent council meeting, the investment will include new street signs, benches, planters, and litter bins. However, the decision has faced criticism from certain community representatives. Many areas, particularly in the south of Bolton, have been excluded from these improvements.
Areas Benefiting from the Funding
- Chorley New Road: Spring bulb planting, benches, litter bins – £10,400
- Chorley Old Road: Litter bin, bench, wildflower planting – £3,300
- Wigan Road: Landscaping, litter bins, bench – £3,500
- Deane Road: Street name plates, post removal, pedestrian guard rails, and more – £63,750
- Horwich: Signage, street name plates, pedestrian guard rails, and more – £195,800
Community Response and Concerns
Local leaders, especially from the Farnworth and Kearsley First group, have called for further scrutiny of the council’s decision. They argue that significant areas, including Kearsley and Farnworth, have been overlooked, receiving no funding for vital improvements.
Council member Paul Sanders criticized the decision, labeling it “unfair and flawed.” He inputted that consultations were lacking, and proposed routes in the south of the borough like Manchester Road and Egerton Street were neglected.
Maintenance Considerations
The council has indicated limitations due to budget constraints. There is no ongoing maintenance plan for new floral features beyond initial planting. The council expects local communities and ward budgets to assume responsibility for upkeep in these areas.
This investment from Bolton Council represents a significant effort to enhance the borough but raises important questions about equity and community inclusion in infrastructure development.
