A TRAFFIC survey is to be held to determine whether a crossing patrol will be introduced outside a Westhoughton primary school.

Parents and town councillors have asked highways bosses at Bolton to introduce a lollipop man or woman on The Hoskers outside St George's Primary School.

The last traffic count carried out at the school in November 1998 showed vehicle figures passing along the road did not meet the criteria needed for a patrol.

However, following further appeals, Mr Adrian Golland, assistant director for highways, has agreed to undertake further surveys later this year.

Traffic signals are to be installed at the nearby junction of Wearish Lane and Wigan Road and Mr Golland states once these are working the census will be carried out.

In a letter to Westhoughton Town Council, Mr Golland writes: "It would I feel be sensible for my staff to conduct a patrol census on The Hoskers when the traffic signals are working. This would take into account any possible increase in through traffic on The Hoskers."

Concern has also be raised about the current lack of a patrol on the pelican crossing on Leigh Road, Westhoughton, serving Washacre Primary School.

The patrol is currently covering the point on Hindley Road, Daisy Hill, as a result of the continuing sickness absence of that lollipop person.

This situation is likely to continue for several weeks.