I drive out of my garage in the morning on my way to work, teaching people to drive, and the first obstacle I have to negotiate is all the rubbish thrown into the back streets.

Off I go, through the many obstructions Bolton Council seem to be placing in front of drivers: speed humps that don't stop the speeders, just move them to a different road; chicanes that are fun to the boy racer; and all that paint - red, green, and white markings everywhere. You're so busy trying to work out which way to go, you hardly have time to watch ahead.

Then come those little darlings on their way to school. I wonder which one it will be who deliberately walks in front of my learner driver - or will he be on his bike? Will I get through the day without a yob throwing another brick at my car, trying to frighten a poor girl on her first lesson?

Mid-morning comes, and all we have to deal with are those taxi drivers who seem to have their own Highway Code. Rule 1: Get there fast. Rule 2: Dont care about any other rules.

We've already had the drivers behind, about two feet away, beeping their horns because we are the only ones driving at the speed limit.

After lunch, we've avoided most of the pot holes - only have to stay away from Weston Street, Harroby Street, Plodder Lane, Hulton Lane, the back of Moor Lane bus station, etc, etc. The only way to describe the roads in Bolton is "disgusting".

There are roadworks all over the place, putting islands in the middle of the road.

Let's have a trip up Daubhill - you can park anywhere at any time up there: bus lanes, double yellows, it doesn't matter. Nobody ever does anything.

Down the A6, approaching the Watergate roundabout, can't see the road signs. Oh, that's right, they were stolen months ago. Bolton Council know but they are too busy putting little islands in. Bolton town centre has lovely signs and a new arch bridge.

Rush hour comes, with more beeping, young drivers overtaking in unbelievable places, buses blinding you with their full beam lights on, and traffic jams everywhere.

Nice place, Bolton.

Tony Pearson

Trafford Street

Bolton