Work starts in Coal Pit Lane

Roadworks have begun to end a controversial road closure in Coal Pit Lane, Oldham.

Traffic is being diverted along White Bank Road, through Limeside, as the road surface is stripped off and replaced.

The road, which is a popular route between Ashton Road and Failsworth, was closed in January for safety reasons after the surface developed large potholes. There was no indication from the council about when or if it would reopen.

Motorists who complained were told the council had no money left to repair it this financial year.

Then Oldham Council had a change of heart and last week announced that the repairs would start on Monday, lasting for six weeks while the road remains closed.

The council said inspections showed the structure of the road was very poor due to running water in the foundations and it could no longer be patched.