n TEMPORARY bus stops have been placed near to Westhoughton town centre following concerns from businesses during major road improvements.

Market Street in Westhoughton is undergoing a £24,000 revamp, which will involve speed humps being re-laid and block paving being replaced. The scheme, which is expected to last about six weeks, started last week.

Bus passengers were faced with a longer walk as diversions initially involved the buses being diverted around Mill Street and Cricketers Way.

But Cllr David Chadwick, who represents Westhoughton South and is on the Transport for Greater Manchester committee, lobbied TfGM to add additional stops to support businesses.

Additional temporary stops have now been placed in Mill Street and Park Road near to the Sports and Social Club.

He said: “It was important every effort was made to provide temporary bus stops near to Market Street end of Bolton Road/Mill Street.

“I am very pleased that I have been able to persuade TfGM officers to provide stops on Mill Street to cover buses using Bolton Road and stops on Park Road near to the Sports and Social Club. It is very important that we support businesses in these difficult times.”

For more information about the roadworks, call Bolton Council’s customer helpline on 01204 336677.