A £500,000 scheme is planned to improve the main road arteries through the Bolton City Challenge area.

It is all part of the long term City Challenge scheme to help breathe new life into the Halliwell and Astley Bridge areas.

Members of the public can find out more about the "Radial Routes" scheme when an open day is staged tomorrow.

The aim is to improve Halliwell Road and Blackburn Road with better parking, lighting, footpaths and road signs. Some properties will be eligible for facelift improvements while businesses will benefit from professional advice and marketing support.

Cllr Bob Howarth, chairman of City Challenge, said: "This is an important initiative ? which will be of long-lasting benefit to these two main roads. Not only is it improving the appearance of the roads now, it is also building a secure future for the benefit of local people."

Over the past few weeks a team of business advisers, engineers, surveyors and designers have been drawing up initial ideas for Radial Routes, which is being jointly funded by City Challenge, the Arts Council and the European Regional Development Fund.

Steve Bottrill, project manager, said: "Our recent survey has shown that most traders feel quite positive about the future. We want to build on this and attract more niche businesses and more local shoppers.

"I hope people use the open day to give us plenty of views and ideas."

The Radial Routes open day takes place tomorrow, between 1pm and 6pm at Wolfenden Community Centre, Wolfenden Street, Halliwell.

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