Bolton council has installed 34 new circular signs around the town centre to help people find their way and encourage walking, cycling and wheeling.
Key locations and destinations
The signs are placed in key locations such as Victoria Square, Bradshawgate, Churchgate, Knowsley Street and outside the railway station. They point the way to popular destinations like the Parish church, library and Queens Park, and include estimated walking times.
Other landmarks highlighted include the town hall, Bolton Market, Bolton Lads and Girls Club, and the university and colleges. Some signs feature motivational messages to promote active travel.
Health and traffic benefits
The council said the initiative aims to help people gain health benefits from staying active while reducing traffic congestion by encouraging fewer cars on the road. The project follows a request from town centre businesses, local councillors and the town centre east steering group for better wayfinding signs. Funding came from the Mayor’s Challenge Fund.
An event in Victoria Square on Wednesday marked the installation, offering children a chance to try balance bikes and adults to test e-bikes.
Official and opposition responses
Coun Nadeem Ayub, Bolton Council’s executive member for transport and highways, said: “Anyone who knows Bolton town centre knows that it is already a very easy, pedestrian-friendly place for people to walk around. But we wanted to make it easier for people to get around and find all the main attractions, like the shops, theatres and library.”
However, Bolton’s Conservative opposition group made a cheeky remark on Facebook, noting some signs are positioned close to the ground: “People say that Bolton town centre is on its knees, seems you have to be to read some of these new signs.”
