TRAFFIC will be stopped from turning into a Bolton town centre street to improve safety and to avoid an expensive bill for major road strengthening work.

A temporary block on vehicles turning into Breightmet Street from Bradshawgate was introduced two years ago.

But now council highways bosses have decided to make the restriction permanent.

Council chiefs say that blocking the road will prevent the need for expensive extra strengthening work to a section of the railway tunnel which runs under Breightmet Street.

But a business owner has condemned the decision.

Ian Smith, who has owned Smith's Garage in Breightmet Street for 22 years, claims the restriction has had an impact on his business during the last two years.

Council chiefs say the decision was made following extensive exploratory work and consultation with local businesses.

Mr Smith said: "This road is supposed to lead on to an industrial estate, it should not be closed."

Mechanic Dave Howell said that the garage used to get a lot of passing trade. Now, he says, drivers do not know how to get to the garage.

The roads above the tunnel which carries trains on the Bolton to Blackburn line have been restricted to 17 tonnes on Bradshawgate and closed at Breightmet Street since September, 2000, for safety reasons.

Railtrack's successor, Network Rail, Bolton Council and contractors Galliford Rail Projects will start work costing £750,000 early next year on strengthening part of the railway tunnel that supports the surrounding streets.