A COUPLE are hoping council bosses can shed new light on a lamppost challenge they have put up with for more than 22 years.

Each time David and June Vickers back their car in or out of their home in Seaford Road, Harwood, they have to manoeuvre around a concrete post in the entrance to their driveway.

When other posts were replaced in the street two years ago, the one outside the Vickers' home remained.

Ironically, its condition was deemed too good to replace - because the family had taken such care to avoid hitting it.

When workmen turned up earlier this month to replace the pavement flags with asphalt, the Vickers thought it would be an ideal opportunity to finally lose the obstruction.

But they were disappointed again when they were told that removal would cost them as much as £1,500.

Mr and Mrs Vickers have lived in their semi-detached dormer bungalow for 40 years.

When their eldest son reached 17, the family extended their drive to accommodate his car.

But the move left the lamp-post in the middle of the drive, and the Vickers regularly have to guide visitors on and off their property to avoid accidents.

Mrs Vickers even claims that avoiding the post has boosted the motoring expertise of younger members of the family.

"That is why they are all such good drivers," she said.

The couple have appealed to local councillor Walter Hall for help.

He said: "It has to be seen to be believed. How Mr and Mrs Vickers have managed to get a car on to the drive I don't know. I think they deserve a medal."

Bolton Council has agreed to look again into the possibility of moving the lamppost.

A spokesperson said: "During the current works, we will review the location and condition of this column."