TRAFFIC bosses promise motorists and pedestrians that they will benefit from a programme of £1.5 million road and pavement improvements.

Three projects have either started or are about to get under way in Bury, Radcliffe, Whitefield and Prestwich.

Some £300,000 is being spent on Manchester Road from Crossfield Street to Sunnybank Road, and will take 20 weeks to complete. A further £190,000 scheme takes in Ringley Road/Ringley Road West in Radcliffe and Whitefield between Greenside and Wood Street.

The biggest scheme, costing £1 million, starts on Monday (Nov 3) to strengthen Bury Old Road in Prestwich between Heywood Road and the Salford boundary. Work will last five months.

Councillor Stella Smith, executive member for environment and transport, said: "The work will cause some disruption for motorists and we will do our best to minimise those. However, road users and pedestrians will all benefit from these improvements and we hope they will appreciate that."

Drivers are advised to avoid these areas if possible to keep congestion to a minimum.