REGULAR travellers along Chorley Old Road, Bolton, took a great deal of interest in the roadworks between the Crofters and St Luke’s Church.

For some time, workmen were busy on this western highway and there had been much speculation as to the exact nature of the jobs that had caused such inconvenience to traffic.

Borough engineer Mr D M McKellen said the first big task was the reconstruction of the 100-year-old brick sewer, which was in a state of imminent collapse.

This had to be done before the roadworks started.

The roadworks, which were started in June, 1955, were estimated to cost more than £40,000.

Weather-permitting, the base coat would be completed by the beginning of the following March and it was thought advisable to leave the final inch of surfacing until the better weather of the spring.

Our picture shows a group of mills girls, during their dinner hour, watching workmen asphalting in January, 1956 — the first “carpet” to be laid.