A SUBWAY used by drug addicts and criminals will finally be closed and filled in next week.

Following years of decline, the passageway beneath St Peter's Way will cease to exist in a matter of weeks.

It will put a stop to pedestrians falling prey to stalkers, attackers and drug taking in an area just yards from Bolton's red light district.

But there could be some misery for drivers: motorists wanting to turn left from St Peter's Way on to Bradford Street towards Bury are currently likely to be diverted while work takes place.

Workmen will begin filling in the subway next Monday.

A spokesman for Bolton Council said: "The subway has gone the way of many in the town. It's dark and threatening and that has meant the number of people using it has declined."

He said an alternative crossing point had been put in place on the junction with Bradford Street and that had lessened the need for the subway.

The filling-in work may cause some inconvenience to motorists as the left turn slip road of St Peter's Way is closed.

Drivers would still be able to turn right and travel towards Bolton but those wanting to go in the other direction will be diverted along Folds Road.

It would allow workmen to station themselves on the five-yard long, left turn slip road while work is in progress although contractors are working on a solution which would mean the slip road remaining open.

The Council spokesman said: "If we have to close the slip road, it will cause a minor inconvenience for motorists and we apologise in advance if that is the case."

A number of footways around Bradford Street will also be temporarily closed.

A SUBWAY used by drug addicts and criminals will finally be closed and filled in next week.

Following years of decline, the passageway beneath St Peter's Way will cease to exist in a matter of weeks.

It will put a stop to pedestrians falling prey to attackers and drug taking in an area just yards from Bolton's red light district.

But there could be some misery for drivers: motorists wanting to turn left from St Peter's Way on to Bradford Street towards Bury are currently likely to be diverted while work takes place.

Workmen will begin filling in the subway next Monday.

A spokesman for Bolton Council said: "The subway has gone the way of many in the town. It's dark and threatening and that has meant the number of people using it has declined."

He said an alternative crossing point had been put in place on the junction with Bradford Street and that had lessened the need for the subway.

The filling-in work may cause some inconvenience to motorists as the left turn slip road of St Peter's Way is closed.

Drivers would still be able to turn right and travel towards Bolton but those wanting to go in the other direction will be diverted along Folds Road.

It would allow workmen to station themselves on the five-yard long, left turn slip road while work is in progress although contractors are working on a solution which would mean the slip road remaining open.

The Council spokesman said: "If we have to close the slip road, it will cause a minor inconvenience for motorists and we apologise in advance if that is the case."

A number of footways around Bradford Street will also be temporarily closed.