RESIDENTS on a large estate on the moors outside Bolton have been told to do some DIY de-icing this winter after pleading with the council for help.

Householders on one of Bolton's highest estates have repeatedly asked the council to be included in the gritting programme during the winter months.

Highways chiefs agreed to look at the problem on Templecombe Road, Sharples after Cllr Stuart Murray and prospective parliamentary candidate David Crausby stepped in.

At last night's full council meeting, Planning Chairman Cllr Jack Foster said the road leading to the 400 home estate had been examined. But Templecombe Road could not be included in the regular route because it would lead to a flood of applications from residents who faced similar icy hills every winter, he added. "There are a number of sites in the borough with similar gradients which people want to be put on the planned routes for gritting. If we allow this one we will be creating a problem. What we can do is put gritting bins in, keep an eye on it and grit if necessary."

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