A ROAD crossing with a difference has been installed in a Bolton park - it is for horses.

Riders now have a special facility to help them cross Hall Lane, which runs through Moses Gate Country Park.

The Equestrian Crossing has higher buttons than normal crossings to allow riders to push them without dismounting, while also catering for pedestrians and cyclists by having buttons at the usual height.

It will make it easier for people who ride in the park to cross the busy road between the two halves of the park.

Julie Ashcroft, of Castle Croft, Harwood, is pleased Bolton Council is installing the crossing.

She has two horses and rides them in the park.

"I think it's fantastic," she said.

"You get to the road and it's like a race track because of speeding. It's an accident waiting to happen.

"It's difficult to cross, so I think what has been done with the crossing is fabulous.

"The buttons are high enough that you don't have to dismount, you can press the buttons while you're on your horse and you feel safe.

"It was dangerous before and you can never say never about there being an accident but I think this is a good solution."

Cllr Sean Hornby, who represents Little Lever and Darcy Lever and chairs Bolton Council's planning committee, said: "I welcome the crossing as anything that improves safety has to be a good thing.

"I don't see any major problems with it being on the road."

However, Cllr Anthony Connell, who also represents the ward, said it was important the crossing was made easily visible to drivers.

"Drivers will have to be aware of it," he said.