A driveway into one of Bolton’s historic cemeteries could finally be set to see work done to address its "desperate need of improvement".

The way into Farnworth Cemetery has long been a source of complaints from visitors and bereaved families who say their cars have been damaged and disrupted by the poor state of the way in.

The status of the road was discussed by the council last week with improvement finally in site, according to town hall chiefs.

Cllr Paul Sanders, who represents the area, said: “The surface of the long driveway into Farnworth’s historic cemetery is one of the worst road surfaces within the borough.

“Years of deterioration have meant that solemn funeral processions and visitors to the cemetery are forced to traverse potholes, with their vehicles physically shaking and shuddering.

The Bolton News: Questions about the cemetery driveway were heard at Bolton CouncilQuestions about the cemetery driveway were heard at Bolton Council (Image: Newsquest)

“Many residents have reached-out to councillors and the council to express deep upset of experiencing this on their loved one’s final journey.”

Cllr Sanders' colleague, former ward councillor Maureen Flitcroft, had already asked at a budget meeting last year that representatives be allowed to use some of the £50,000 granted for highway improvements in each of their areas for projects like this.

This request was granted and Cllr Sanders used last week’s council meeting to ask when people using the cemetery were likely to see improvements completed by.

In response, council cabinet member for highways and transport, Cllr Stuart Haslam, said that he expected to see the improvements to the driveway into Farnworth Cemetery delivered by early next.

But he said an exact date would be confirmed after consultations with the authority’s bereavement services.

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Cllr Haslam said: “I am grateful that ward councillors in Farnworth have highlighted that the driveway leading to the cemetery is in desperate need of repair and I’m happy to confirm that I will be supporting this nomination.”

He added: “As this is a new scheme that is not included in the current highways programme I will be required to approve this request by executive cabinet member decision.

“Officers in the highways team are currently in the process of appraising all submissions and once this is completed and we have the basis of a programme I will be happy to receive this nomination.”