AN ambitious plan to create 25 miles of cycle highway across Bolton could be a waste of money, according to motorists in the town.

Bolton Council is to spend £2.5 million on off-road routes to encourage people to cycle to work.

The pathways will connect areas such as Anglezarke in the west, Bury in the east and Salford in the south, eventually connecting Bolton to cycle routes in Manchester, Bury and Chorley as part of a nationwide network.

Cycle parks covered by CCTV cameras will be created at key points so people can leave their bikes without the worry of having them damaged or stolen.

But people who currently drive to work in Bolton said they would rather see the money spent elsewhere.

Mike Cunliffe, aged 46, of Glazebury Drive, Westhoughton, said: "The money would be better spent on improving road safety and implementing traffic calming measures across the town.

"I can't see the cycleway being popular in Bolton."

Eileen Heaton, aged 51, of Marsh Brook Road, Westhoughton, said: "The people at the council whose idea it is probably won't even use it.

"Everyone wishes people would cycle to work, but when it comes down to it, there will probably be very few who actually do.

"Cycle lanes which already exist are under-used and these will be the same."

Mick Roache, aged 49, who had travelled from Whitefield, said: "I won't be using the cycleway. I've recently been off work after being knocked off my bike so I won't be getting back on it.

"The lanes will probably only be used in nice weather anyway."

Andrew Smith, aged 35, from Newmarket Road, Little Lever, said: "It's just a token gesture to encourage people to adopt a healthy lifestyle, but the cycleway won't be used.

"After dark it won't be safe to be cycling on secluded pathways, and how are they going to provide cycle storage near enough to workplaces? "

Lee Jeavons, aged 42, from Bradshaw Meadows, Bradshaw, said: "I'd rather see the money spent on education and improving school meals for every child in Bolton."

But Bill Bretherton, aged 44, of Brazley Avenue, Horwich, said that he thought the idea was worthwhile. He said: "To get cyclists off the main road is a good idea."