Key Points
- In Bolton, there are major concerns by the local community and commuters about the safety risks posed by consistent double yellow line parking directly next to traffic lights by drivers.
- Illegal Parking: The illegal parking is often outside the Fusion Foods takeaway and a convenience store adjoining the junction in Halliwell.
- Traffic Bottlenecks: Stuart Lever, former local councillor, revealed parked cars are blocking traffic, preventing it from flowing properly and making it difficult to see traffic near the red light.
- Historical Planning Context: "Initial expectations that customers would be walking to the premises have come to nothing, wrote Lever, who had been sitting on Bolton Council's planning committee when the takeaway was first granted permission.
- Proposed Infrastructure Solutions: A request has been made to the local highway authorities to place traffic control barriers (bollards) on the pavement side of Blackburn Road, similar to what is already in place on the other side.
- No Direct Fault Established: Investigative work by reporters has established that the illegally parked vehicles are not those of Fusion Foods staff members or third-party delivery persons.
- Halliwell Ward Councillor Hanif Alli has said he will raise the issue of parking at the Greater Manchester Police and will meet local business owners directly.
- Blackburn Road is a key arterial route linking Halliwell and Astley Bridge, which has been identified by the community and accident data as a collision hot spot.
- Journalist Dan Dougherty of The Bolton News has reported in detail on the issue, confirming that Fusion Foods was asked for a formal comment.
Bolton (Bolton Today) August 7, 2026 — Members of the public are being offered a free, accessible opportunity to explore the historical significance of Winter Hill’s Two Lads cairns through a series of guided bus tours scheduled for this weekend.
As reported by The Bolton News, the bus-only tours will take place on Saturday, August 8, departing from either Smithills Hall or Horwich Leisure Centre at 12:00 pm. The excursion lasts approximately one hour and has been curated to ensure suitability and physical accessibility for all attendees.
For visitors preferring an on-foot experience, transport to the site is provided from the same departure points at 10:00 am and 1:45 pm. Upon arrival, walking participants are permitted to explore the landscape and historic features at their own pace.
What is the schedule and booking process for the Two Lads bus tours?
As documented by the Local Democracy Reporting (LDR) Service staff via The Bolton News, attendance across all tour slots is free, though advance ticket reservation is mandatory due to limited capacity. Bookings must be processed through Eventbrite via the official listing titled
"Two Lads Restoration - Guided Bus Tours Archaeological Dig".
The main bus-only tour is explicitly structured for individuals who require or prefer a fully seated experience, ensuring that participants can view the landscape without navigating rough terrain.
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Why are archaeological digs taking place at Two Lads?
As detailed by The Bolton News, the bus tours are arranged in tandem with an active archaeological excavation currently underway at the Two Lads landmark. Organisers are actively encouraging the local community to visit the site to view the ongoing field work firsthand.
Following the weekend tours, the Woodland Trust has scheduled a full week of archaeological dig sessions. As reported by The Bolton News, these upcoming sessions will be directed by Team Civic, offering local volunteers, school groups, and community organisations hands-on participation in the excavation process.
What essential guidance and accessibility details should visitors know?
As reported by the media team at The Bolton News, attendees participating in the outdoor activities are advised to arrive fully prepared for changeable conditions on the moorland. Visitors should bring a packed lunch and wear clothing and footwear suitable for outdoor weather.
Regarding accessibility, standard wheelchairs can be used within the grounds of Smithills Hall. However, organisers note that certain specific pathways remain too narrow to accommodate larger off-road mobility equipment, such as Mountain Trikes.