RESIDENTS are to be asked for their opinions on how to revamp a deteriorating Bolton road.

Council chiefs will consult the public to gauge their views on various options under a major maintenance programme to be launched in busy Beaumont Road.

The plans are at an early stage -- and highways chiefs say they depend on the outcome of the survey. Options include road re-surfacing, cycle ways, bus ways, pavement refurbishing, road widening and increased grass verges.

A Bolton Council spokesman said: "The condition of the road is deteriorating. It is a very old road and its design is not very good. We need to consult all the public to discuss the options.

"We need to know what the public wants and we need feedback. This could be in the form of a letter drop or an open day -- whatever it takes. It is at an early stage."

No plans for the road have been formally drawn up. Highway chiefs are hoping the consultation exercise will steer them in the right direction. Funding will then be applied for.

Bolton Council say the programme is likely to be lengthy and expensive. It could take a year. The spokesman added: "It is causing us an awful lot of problems so we decided to ask the public."

Councillors approved plans for the public to be consulted on the suitability and acceptability of the various options at a recent environment meeting. Further reports are to be proposed and heard by Bolton Council. Elsewhere, major work in the renovation of St Peter's Way begins at the weekend. Delay and disruption are expected.

Bolton motorists can expect delays next week in:

Bolton Central: St Peters Way will be closed completely from Kay Street to the M61 from 10pm tomorrow to 7am on Sunday due to roadworks. One lane of St George's Road near to its junction with Bridgeman Street will be closed from 7am on Sunday due to BT work. Rosehill and Remploy subways on St Peter's Way will be closed from Monday for 14 weeks due to narrowing work. Bridge work causing lane closures and high disruptions are also expected in St Peter's Way from Monday. Work will be carried out at the Croft Lane Bridge, Manchester Road Skew Bridge and Raikes Lane.

Blackrod: Temporary traffic signals on Lostock Lane Bridge start today until Monday. United Utilities will conduct off-peak work only. Medium levels of disruption are expected. Work continues in James Street near Crown Lane.

Hulton Park: Work to build a traffic island in Wigan Road starts on Thursday for five days. Expect high delays.

Farnworth: Drainage work starts on Monday in St James Street from number 60 for a week. Temporary traffic signals will operate.