THE controversial pedestrianisation of Horwich town centre is set to be scrapped after a huge public outcry.

Winter Hey Lane could re-open to traffic early next month following a dramatic change of heart by council highways chiefs.

A report on the whole scheme will go to the council's planning and environment committee on March 4. It is likely that the recommendation will be to re-open the road immediately.

The committee will be given delegated powers to approve it without having to go to a full council meeting on March 17.

Cllr John Byrne, chairman of Bolton's highways committee said at a town hall meeting that he would recommend the re-opening.

He admitted he was persuaded to change his mind about the closure after attending a packed public meeting on Wednesday night.

Anger broke out as residents and the town's business community united in unanimous outrage against the pedestrianisation scheme.

More than 250 people packed the Horwich RMI Club to hear Bolton Council's three-pronged proposals for the town centre.

The pedestrianisation scheme came under fire from all directions in a meeting described as "highly emotional".

Cllr Byrne said: "They made their strength of feeling clear and they put forward some very good arguments. We were accused of not listening. But I have listened and I have been persuaded that people want the road back the way it was."

Andrew Dickson, who owns St Andrew's Travel in Winter Hey Lane, claims his business has suffered since the top end of the street was closed as a temporary trial six months ago.

He said: "People were really speaking from the heart and shouting. I don't understand why it was introduced in the first place."

Bolton Council officers asked members of the public to vote on three separate proposals for the town centre. Two proposals - both ousted by the public - included leaving Winter Hey Lane blocked off or introducing traffic lights making the street one-way.

The third proposal, to return the town centre back to the way it was, was unanimously approved by Horwich people.

Ward Cllr Barbara Ronson said after yesterday's highways sub committee meeting that the council's change of heart was "very good news".

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