A FUTURISTIC arch is set to tower 60 ft over Newport Street after planners gave the go-ahead to the controversial plan.

The curved steel structure, which will be illuminated at night, will be the focal point of a new sleek "urban boulevard" linking the bus and rail interchange with the town centre.

It will replace the old under-strength Victorian railway bridge which carries Newport Street over the old Manchester-to-Preston line.

work on the £2.5 million project, which will take four months to complete, is due to start next month.

The present wrought iron girder bridge, owned by Network Rail, was constructed in 1905.

At a meeting of Bolton Council's planning committee, councillors voted unanimously to approve the plans.

Cllr Nick Peel told the committee: "This is not just the most attractive option but a cost effective one too."