CHILDREN and pensioners will be able to walk safely through a busy accident blackspot when a new pedestrian crossing is finished in Westhoughton.

Council workmen began building the crossing at the junction of Bolton Road and Manchester Road on Monday.

There have been a number of crashes there and town councillors have been asking for the crossing to be built for several years.

Town council leader David Wilkinson said: "We have been asking for the crossing for a long time now.

"Hopefully it will make the junction safer for local people, especially for children and pensioners."

work on the crossing is expected to last for six weeks. New traffic signals are being erected.

A Bolton Council spokesman said: "Safety is always our priority. The work will make the junction safer for all pedestrians and road users."