FEARS are growing that new measures aimed at slowing down traffic could bring a village to a standstill.

Residents and shopkeepers in Egerton are angry about a new "crossing island" which has been put in the centre of Blackburn Road.

It has co-incided with the reduction of the speed limit from 40mph to 30 mph and the idea has been to narrow the road and stop cars overtaking.

The aim has also been to make it easier for pedestrians to cross the busy road.

But residents say it is causing chaos and bringing traffic to a halt. Now they want the island removed.

Bromley Cross Tory Cllr Norman Critchley said: "There are times when heavy lorries park near the phone box and they block the whole carriageway off.

"I have even seen cars go over to the other side of the road to get past. I am worried that this is now such a mess that it is putting people off shopping at the village shops.

"It is vital that they stay open not only for the convenience of the elderly, but also for the village to remain as a thriving centre."

But Mr Adrian Golland, Bolton Council's assistant director of planning and engineering, said: "The idea has been to slow traffic down and that has been achieved.

"I have told Cllr Critchley that if there are any problems, we will look at them when the whole scheme has been completed."

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