A GROUP of Bolton residents are raising their glasses and having "one for the road" this week to mark a milestone victory.

The Bradshaw neighbours decided on a DIY solution when they were told a quagmire, unadopted side street leading to their homes would not be made up by Bolton Council.

Pensioner John Wood was undeterred and decided to collect thousands of pounds to make Kershaw Street roadworthy.

In an unusual move, residents on Dene Bank and Kershaw Street put money in a kitty - some donating more than £400 - towards the cause.

Mr Wood, 76, is delighted that the road is now passable to traffic - thanks to the help of a local asphalt firm, Compsty & Son.

Mr Wood said: "I went around to every house and asked for money. It was a fantastic response. We have a great sense of the community here. People were giving anything between £20 and £400."

Mr Wood, who raised more than £5,000 to get the job done, said the road has frustrated residents for more than two years, with huge craters awash with water from the busy Turton Road.

Bolton Council wanted £15,000 to adopt the road and surface it and residents decided that was too much.

But Mr Wood said white collar workers from the council's technical services department were "wonderful" in guiding residents through red tape. The road serves more than 100 houses and Mr Wood co-ordinated surveys and drain installation by North West Water.

He said: "I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone, including Bolton Council.

"They have been brilliant. I think they were very surprised at the positive results.

"I know of other roads which haven't been adopted and residents are constantly complaining. They should realise that they can achieve something themselves."

Cllr Jack Foster, planning and environment committee chairman, said: "We are very pleased to have been able to help the community with the road scheme. They pulled together and raised the money needed to make sure that the work took place.

"Special mention must go to Mr Wood. When the community first approached the council, we explained our position with unadopted roads. The residents were very positive and Mr Wood got everybody organised."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.