IT is really amazing that, at a time when congestion of the roads is being discussed at almost every level of Government, our council seem to be hell bent on making matters worse, not better!

I refer, of course to the single lane marking and the provision of cycle lanes on Chorley Old Road. The cycle lanes will almost never be used, and the wear to the road surface, where the cars and buses etc have been forced, will be excessive. The provision of useless cycle lanes was highlighted to me last evening when I was driving home along the ring road, only to see a solitary cyclist (grown-up I might add) riding merrily on his way. Guess where he was -- on the footpath, and not in the cycle lane provided!

I would like to draw to the attention of our councillors the foresight our forefathers had when they built the roads in the first place. They saw the need for wide trunk roads and made provision for the future. If they had wanted cart tracks, they would have built them! If they wanted congestion on the roads, they would have built them! If they wanted accelerated wear and high repair costs, they would have built them.

They, the councillors, say the roads are safer, and this may turn out to be true, especially when the traffic reaches a standstill -- a result that appears to be their aim! Is it safer at junctions on the ring road, where these stupid conditions apply, to see the race that goes on when trying to go from two lanes into one? It most definitely is not! Is it safer for the pedestrian? I wonder if any councillor has tried to cross Halliwell Road during the day -- just imagine trying to cross if you are in any way infirm?

Finally, and without any doubt, these roads will be returned to their original design and at huge cost.

, the councillors having to work long hours and claim ever more expenses to get the job done and, of course, an increase in rates to pay for it! Cynical? Me? -- Never!

Neil McMahon

Lower Pools

Smithills, Bolton