DRIVERS are being urged not to use Little Lever as a cut through during major roadworks.

Temporary traffic lights have been set up across the village, at Market Street, Church Street, Lever Street and Hall Lane.

Villager Eric Hyde, who stood for the Lib Dems in the last council elections, said the roadworks would cause traffic delays in the area.

Mr Hyde added: “I would ask drivers who cut through the village not to because it will add to the congestion, which will be bad through Little Lever as these works are done.”

People from Bury and other areas often use Little Lever to get into areas of Bolton and vice versa.

Temporary traffic lights were being used in Hall Lane while resurfacing work was carried out, while the rest are being used as alterations are made to the highway to pave the way for access to the new Tesco development.

Those lights will stay in place until August 15.

Mr Hyde said: “If drivers can avoid the area they will help people living in the area.

“The temporary traffic lights are on main busy roads so it will affect motorists in the village.”

A Bolton Council spokesman said: “We are resurfacing Hall Lane to improve the condition of the road for the benefit of motorists.

“We would like to apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused by the work. We appreciate the patience of residents and businesses when work is under way.

“The developer of the Tesco store is also carrying out other work, which is programmed to be finished by August 15.”