PEOPLE can have their say on a transformation scheme for the borough's biggest Traffic bottleneck.

Planners want reaction to proposals on how to solve Hindley's road chaos and boost its town centre.

Experts say because of the tight layout of the Bird i'th' Hand cross roads, a one way traffic flow using Cross Street is the only way to get the town moving. Aims are to make the area safer for pedestrians and to incorporate a Wigan Road bus interchange and market square makeover.

Plans will go on show next week at a major exhibition at the Monaco Ballroom. On Monday, March 24 (7.30pm-9pm) and the following Thursday (3.30pm-7.30pm) visitors will be given the chance fill in a questionnaire.

Traffic to a halt

New pedestrian crossings are planned at the Cross Street-Market Street junction where most accidents involving pedestrians happen. Proposals include prohibiting vehicles turning right from Liverpool Road into Atherton Road, a manoeuvre which often brings traffic to a halt.

Cllr Jack Topping said: "Hindley's a great place to be but the gridlock and the untidy square let us down. Here's our chance to get things right."

Other ideas for improvements include cycle and disabled parking, improved visibility at junctions, upgrading shop fronts and redeveloping run-down buildings.

Peter Taylor, the Council's director of engineering services, said: "Whatever happens depends on what the people of Hindley say. The more support we get the more chance there is of transforming the town."