Highways chiefs have insisted work to resurface a major Bolton route now is work that could not have been done earlier.

Residents have told The Bolton News they are angry as to why the works, which they say are causing major delays, could not have been done while schools were on holiday.

The Bolton News: Work to resurface Blackburn Road from Egerton to Astley Bridge got underway this week, with delays compounded by work at the major Moss  Bank Way and Crompton Way junction.

Some residents say they had no  idea the roadworks would be taking place.

One told The Bolton News: “They did it on the first day back at school on Blackburn Road, they started retarmacking the road.

“There was no warning.

“Traffic goes on that road from Blackburn to Bolton.

“The number one bus goes on that road, the drivers must have been beside themselves.

“My wife went to the gym, it should have taken ten minutes but it took an hour and a half.

“Why weren’t they doing this in the last three to four weeks?”

Cllr John Walsh insisted the works were necessary.

He said: “The work has been programmed for some time.

“It is necessary, disruption is unfortunate but it is necessary.

“You cannot resurface small parts of the road at a time.

“The road conditions were getting bad.”

Bolton Council insisted this was the earliest chance to do the work in question.

A spokesperson said: “This work was planned to be undertaken before Christmas but unfortunately the cold weather meant it had to be delayed.

"It is not good practise to carry out road resurfacing in temperatures of 5 degrees and less

“Following that was the two-week industry shutdown over Christmas.

“This week was the first opportunity to carry out these essential works.”