A COUNCILLOR fears that a decision to re-open a road could make it a quick escape route for criminals. Bolton's highways chiefs want to lift an order barring drivers from using the junction of Foster Lane and Dovedale Road, Breightmet. But Tory Bradshaw Cllr Anthony Osborn is worried it could mean that drivers will use it as a "rat run" again.

The road was closed in February last year on the advice of police to reduce crime by a kerb and footway along Dovedale Road and the installation of bollards.

Following the closure, the council received a petition from residents in Marlow Close, who complained about the limited visibility for vehicles emerging from Foster Lane into Red Lane and problems associated with driving into Foster Lane from Red Lane during winter.

They also complained about road safety at the junction and said they had not been consulted about the closure.

Questionnaire

Bolton Council then sent out a questionnaire to residents of Marlow Close and Foster Lane and the majority of people asked for it to be open again.

Cllr Osborn said: "The reason why this road was closed was to stop crime. It worries me that it will again be used by the local low life fraternity as an escape route."

But Bradshaw Labour Cllr Paul Fitzpatrick hit back: "The majority of residents wanted it opened again."

Highway chiefs' decision to revoke the closure order will now be advertised and the road re-opened if there are no objections.

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