SHOPPERS were left scratching their heads after council workmen erected crossing posts — inches from shop fronts.

The two posts in Winter Hey Lane in Horwich town centre, installed with a new zebra crossing, are almost touching the buildings on the street.

Bolton Council has defended the decision to put the posts there, saying the narrow road is a difficult location in which to install the crossing.

But residents are bemused by the positioning of the posts — one of which is obscuring a sign for the Horwich Dental Practice.

Horwich resident Tony Shaffer described the decision as “nonsense.”

He added: “It just doesn’t make any sense. They haven’t put the beacons on top yet but when they do, they are so far back that no drivers will be able to see them.”

A spokesman for Horwich Dental Practice said custom had not been adversely affected by the placement of the post but was worried about beacons being added.

He said: “We are a bit concerned that we could end up with a flashing beacon going on and off right outside the window.”

The council has assured people that the job is not finished and the beacons will be “shrouded,” meaning they will not be visible inside the shops.

One of the poles has been put up against the wall next to Cafe Brambles.

Cafe worker Janet Wright said: “I don’t think this has been thought through properly at all.

“It is very close to the shutter — when the light is put on I don’t think you will be able to see it from the road.

“They shouldn’t even be putting the crossing here, it is far too close to the junction with Lee Lane and will cause a big backlog of traffic.”

A council spokesman said: “We appreciate how this looks but it is a difficult location to install a crossing as the pavements are quite narrow.

“If the poles were located closer to the road then pushchairs and wheelchair users wouldn’t be able to get through.

“Following the request from the local council, we consulted local businesses and no-one raised any concerns or objections.”