A MAJOR road skimming plan which should see a dramatic improvement is underway on key Saddleworth roads.

But Oldham Council is warning it could be up to two weeks before the marking are installed and the road beds in.

The local authority says surface dressing is a preventative measure and is an extremely cost effective way of preserving and prolonging the life of a carriageway.

“This type of resurfacing is used worldwide and is recognised and approved by various organisations, such as the RSTA (Road Surface Treatments Association),” said a council spokesman.

“While works are taking place, signs informing of loose chippings, uneven road surface, 20mph speed limit will be in place to ensure road users take extra care.

“The road is swept for up to a week following the completion of the works, to ensure the majority of the chippings are removed.

“Road markings are unable to be installed immediately following the surfacing. This is for a minimum of two weeks and due to the lengths of road treated in the surface dressing programme.

“This means it will be some time before the road markings are fully reinstalled.

“During this time we would continue to ask you to take extra care on these particular roads.”

Groups of concerned travellers had raised issues over the method of road repairs on social media.