Ellesmere Street in Farnworth, known locally as 'Boneshaker Street' for its infamous potholes, is set to be resurfaced after a long campaign by local councillors.
Funding approved for essential repairs
Farnworth & Kearsley First councillors have approved and contributed £10,000 from Farnworth South ward funding towards the project, describing it as 'essential works on this gateway route'. Bolton Council is expected to match that amount from its highways budget.
The road, which is unadopted and not owned by the council, has faced months of complaints about 'crater like' potholes and other defects. The resurfacing will involve 'large patches of resurfacing' on the route.
Location and impact
Ellesmere Street is close to Farnworth's shopping district, with Iceland, Asda, and Home Bargains nearby. Motorists also use the street to access the leisure centre and the Farnworth Green development.
A spokesperson for Farnworth & Kearsley First said: "After long campaigning, the infamous deep potholes, trenches and bald patches on the road and pavement on Ellesmere Street will finally be resurfaced - at long last."
The spokesperson added: "The road and pavement along the side of Iceland remain unadopted, so not owned by council, but the double yellows lines are enforceable by the council in line with UK highways legislation. White spray-painted markings have been completed highlighting the large sections to be resurfaced, and F&KF councillors have requested confirmation of the start date of the improvement works. The works will likely cause short term disruption, but we will keep you all updated in due course."
Community reaction and future plans
One Farnworth resident reacted: "Brilliant that it’s getting fixed, my nan complains every time I take her shopping about them."
Ward councillors noted that any future repairs like this would need a similar 'outside the box' approach to funding. Other road and pavement upgrades have been ongoing in Farnworth town centre around Market Street for about two years, with the next stage set to improve Coucill Square by the end of September.
