A MOTORING group has blasted Bolton Council for making SIX changes to a stretch of road in just three years.

Roy Sammons, chairman of Bolton Advanced Motorists, described the traffic changes as "shambolic and a waste of taxpayers" money,

He hit out after the council completed its final round of work on De Havilland Way near the Reebok Stadium.

It converted three lanes into two for traffic travelling towards the M61 junction on the stretch before the Spirit of Sport sculpture.

Mr Sammons said: "It's a ridiculous situation, there have been so many changes on the road between Tesco and the Parklands.

"You can almost lose track of how many changes have been made and motorists are confused about the layout."

l In early 2002, warning signs were erected.

l In August, 2002, the right hand lane was closed off with hatchings.

l In 2004, a third lane was added for traffic turning left into the Parklands industrial estate.

l In September, 2005, pedestrian controlled crossings were added.

Last month, road markings were made to designate the nearside lane a left-turn only into Parklands, leaving just two lanes for traffic heading straight on.

Mr Sammons said there had been numerous "near misses" with motorists using the Parklands lane to queue jump and go straight on.

He said: "Some stay in the left-only lane to Parklands but go straight on, and that is dangerous. But there is nothing for the council to do now.

"When they were making those changes, I suggested they take off the corner so there was more space for traffic going straight on. But they said it was too expensive. But they've made a mess of it and wasted taxpayers' money."

A council spokesman said: "The scheme at the roundabout is the best option in terms of safety and capacity. It is designed to allow drivers easy access into the Parklands development so that they don't cause additional delays for through traffic.

"It is well signposted so drivers don't have an excuse for ignoring the lane markings and endangering the lives of others.

"Bolton Advanced Motorists are members of our Bolton Road Safety Partnership and we will be discussing the issue with them at one of our regular meetings. We will also continue to monitor the situation."