A RAILWAY bridge which was in danger of closing will remain in place after £3m has been set aside to re-deck it.

Bolton Council lodged an application to the Department for Transport (DfT) for funds to resurface the Daisy Hill railway station bridge on Leigh Road.

In response, the DfT said other projects in the region had been put forward to have work completed on it.

However, the bridge work plans are back in the pipeline following the Government's proposals to invest £5bn in infrastructure to kickstart the country's economic recovery from coronavirus.

A total of £2.5m will be given by the Government to the project, with a further £500,000 coming from local funding.

Bolton West MP Chris Green has welcome the move, which is one of 29 local road projects receiving a share of £100m.

He said: “There were fears that we wouldn’t get the funding for the repairs for Daisy Hill bridge, but I have worked tirelessly to ensure that we get our fair share of local investment.

“I know that our new conservative leadership on Bolton Council has championed local investment as it is so important for local residents and businesses.

“I am delighted that Bolton West will be one of the very first beneficiaries of the Prime Minister’s New Deal for Britain, kickstarting our recovery from coronavirus.

“Upgrading the Daisy Hill bridge deck will bring significant benefits to the local area, alleviating traffic problems, reducing congestion, pollution and better connecting our community with the rest of the country.

“Last December I was re-elected to deliver for my constituents by championing local infrastructure projects – I am delighted that the Conservative Government shares my commitment to invest in our local area.”

Cabinet member for highways and transport at Bolton Council, Cllr Stuart Haslam, also expressed his joy about the project.

He said: “I’m absolutely delighted that it’s going to go ahead and we’re in talks with Network Rail to try to get the scheme done as quickly as possible to alleviate problems for local people.

"It shows our lobbying has paid off.

"It would have caused absolute mayhem for local residents had we not been awarded the money.

"To be just one of 29 in the scheme is commendable.”

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “As the country begins the recovery from COVID-19, we need to get on the front foot and invest in infrastructure in every region to reignite the economy, helping better connect people with work and leisure in the future.

“By investing £100m in local roads and reaffirming our commitment to better connecting communities, we are not just talking about levelling up – but making it happen.”