ROAD chiefs have provoked fury by revealing plans to install almost 40 new humps in Bolton.

Six months after vowing to remove or lower 25 per cent of the town's "sleeping policemen", town hall bosses have confirmed they are to lay 37 more.

Astley Bridge will be affected by the scheme - but residents and a local councillor say their views are being ignored.

Cllr Stuart Lever said: "These measures are completely inappropriate. Bolton is in real danger of becoming speed bump city. This policy is being used as a one-size-fits-all solution to the problem of speeding traffic."

More than 60 residents attended a public meeting last Thursday in which town hall bosses were ridiculed for suggesting the scheme, which will cover Hill Cot Road, Ashworth Lane, Parkgate Drive and surrounding areas.

A total of 37 humps between three and four inches in height would be created. Other roads which will have speed humps installed are: Primula Street, Polar Avenue, Primrose Street, Rainshaw Street and Whitegate Drive.

Cllr Lever said council bosses should consider other means of slowing traffic, such as chicanes. He added: "I'm not saying that there isn't a need to slow the traffic on some of the roads, but speed humps are not the way to go about it."

A council spokesman said the public was being consulted. He said: "The scheme has been put forward as a result of requests from residents."

He added that a £250,000 scheme to improve safety on Chorley Old Road between Chorley New Road and Moss Bank Way was also being considered.

Residents can express their views to Peter Wilson, Director of Central Services, Town Hall, Bolton, BL1 1RU before October 31.