CLLR John Walsh is not over-stating the case when he forecasts a "nightmare" for bus and car users when Blackburn Road will be partly closed next week.

That there will be traffic chaos cannot be disputed. But whether it is wholly necessary at this time can.

Cllr Walsh has criticised Bolton planners for not completing a nearby road scheme on Moss Bank Way before starting work on Blackburn Road. That seems fair comment.

Some drivers will choose to travel along Moss Bank Way when the diversions are operating. So it would have been better had that road been finished.

While we appreciate that road works have to be carried out and some disruption caused, it surely should not result in the chaotic conditions which will start on Monday.

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