A PLAN to improve footpaths leading to bus and train stations has been approved by councillors.

Fourteen routes are set to benefit from improvement and resurfacing over the next two years. New street lighting will also be installed.

The scheme could then be rolled out to other roads.

The 14 initial routes are the Blackrod by-pass to Blackrod Station, Collins Lane to Leigh Road, Oakenclough Drive and Grizedale Close to Moss Bank Way, Crompton Way and Seymour Road linking Valley Centertainment, Lord Stile Lane to Chapeltown Road, Old Nursery Fold to Hough Fold Way, Freshfield Avenue to Minerva Road, Church Road, Kearsley to Kearsley Station, Chester Avenue to Marsh Road, and York Avenue to Church Street.

Councillors will be consulted before schemes to revamp future routes are considered.

Increased facilities for disabled pedestrians will also be taken into account where possible.

The scheme, approved at a Bolton Council environment meeting this week, is a direct bid to encourage greater use of public transport.

It will be funded from the Transport Infrastructure Fund, a fund areas which do not benefit from Metrolink can apply for.