BOLTON Council is facing a battle to close De Lacy Drive and its two alleyways following objections from two environmental groups.

Council solicitors yesterday applied to Bolton magistrates to close the road on the notorious crime-hit estate, where all the homes have been demolished as part of a redevelopment scheme. But the Open Spaces Society and the Greater Manchester Pedestrians Association said the area would lose important footpaths between Starkie Road and De Lacy Drive, and Ainsworth Lane to De Lacy Drive. The case was adjourned until April 29.