Key Points
- Council accused of “no meaningful attempt”
- Spine road at Horwich Loco Works stalled
- Developer and residents express frustration
- Local MP calls for urgent government action
- Project linked to wider regeneration hopes
Horwich (Bolton Today) February 7, 2026 – Critics have accused Bolton Council of making “no meaningful attempt” to deliver a long‑promised spine road at the Horwich Loco Works regeneration site, as delays continue to dog the wider development. The spine road is a key access route intended to connect the former locomotive works to the wider Horwich road network and unlock thousands of homes and jobs, yet campaigners say progress has been minimal despite repeated assurances. As reported by Emily Hartley of Bolton News, local residents, councillors, and the developer behind the scheme have all voiced growing frustration at the lack of visible construction work and clear timelines.
According to Bolton News, the Horwich Loco Works site is one of the largest regeneration projects in Greater Manchester, with plans for around 3,000 homes, business space, and community facilities. The spine road is central to those plans, designed to ease traffic on existing residential streets and provide safe access for pedestrians and cyclists. In a statement to Bolton News, the council acknowledged that the project has faced “complex planning and funding challenges” but insisted it remains committed to delivering the road.
What is the spine road meant to do?
The proposed spine road at Horwich Loco Works is intended to run through the heart of the site, linking the A673 Bolton–Blackrod road with local residential areas and public transport routes. As explained by Emily Hartley of Bolton News, the route would divert through‑traffic away from narrow streets in Horwich town centre and nearby housing estates, reducing congestion and improving air quality.
According to Bolton News, the spine road is also meant to support the phased opening of housing and commercial units by ensuring emergency services, deliveries, and residents can move safely around the site. The council’s own planning documents, cited by Bolton News, describe the road as “essential infrastructure” for the wider regeneration, without which large parts of the development cannot be occupied.
Why are people saying there has been ‘no meaningful attempt’?
The phrase “no meaningful attempt” was used by a local campaign group in a letter to Bolton Council and the government, arguing that years of promises have not translated into tangible progress. As reported by Emily Hartley of Bolton News, residents point to a lack of visible works on the ground, with little more than fencing and signage marking the future route.
In a statement quoted by Bolton News, a spokesperson for the Horwich Loco Works Community Group said: “We have been told for years that the spine road is coming, yet we see no diggers, no road surfacing, no construction crews. It feels like there has been no meaningful attempt to start the work.”
The group has called for a public update from the council, including a detailed timeline and explanation of any delays.
According to Bolton News, some local councillors have echoed those concerns. Councillor Jane Thompson, quoted by Bolton News, said: “Residents are right to be frustrated. We need to see real action, not just more statements about how important the road is.”
What is the council saying in response?
Bolton Council has pushed back against the suggestion that it has done nothing, arguing that behind‑the‑scenes work is ongoing. As reported by Emily Hartley of Bolton News, a council spokesperson said officers have been engaged in “detailed negotiations” with the developer, utility companies, and national agencies to finalise design, funding, and land‑ownership issues.
The spokesperson told Bolton News: “We recognise the frustration of local residents, but delivering a new road on a brownfield site of this scale involves complex planning, legal, and financial considerations. We are working to resolve these as quickly as possible.”
The council also said it has secured some funding through local growth deals and is exploring additional grant sources to cover the full cost of the spine road.
According to Bolton News, the council has not set a firm start‑date for construction but has indicated that work could begin within the next 12–18 months if current negotiations are successful.
What role does the developer play?
The Horwich Loco Works regeneration is being led by a private developer in partnership with Bolton Council. As reported by Emily Hartley of Bolton News, the developer is responsible for building homes and commercial units, while the spine road is largely a council‑led infrastructure project, though both parties must agree on alignment, access points, and phasing.
In a statement to Bolton News, a spokesperson for the developer said: “We are committed to working with the council to deliver the spine road as part of the wider masterplan. Progress has been slower than we would like, but we are actively engaged in discussions to remove barriers.”
The developer also noted that early phases of housing have already been completed and occupied, even though the spine road is not yet in place.
According to Bolton News, some residents worry that the developer is prioritising profitable housing over essential infrastructure. One resident, quoted by Bolton News, said: “They’re happy to sell houses, but they don’t seem as bothered about making sure people can actually get in and out safely.”
What are residents’ main concerns?
Local residents have raised several concerns about the delay to the spine road. As reported by Emily Hartley of Bolton News, traffic congestion on existing roads has worsened as more homes are occupied, with parents reporting longer journeys to schools and buses struggling to navigate narrow streets.
In a survey cited by Bolton News, many residents said they feel less safe walking or cycling because the spine road’s absence means all traffic is funnelled through residential areas.
One parent, speaking to Bolton News, said: “I’m worried about my children crossing the road now that there are so many cars. The spine road was supposed to take that pressure away.”
According to Bolton News, some residents also fear that further delays could undermine confidence in the wider regeneration, potentially affecting house prices and investment in local businesses.
What has the local MP said?
The local MP has called on both the council and the government to accelerate work on the spine road.
As reported by Emily Hartley of Bolton News, the MP said: “Residents have waited long enough. There needs to be a clear plan, a clear timetable, and a clear commitment of funding.”
The MP has written to the Department for Transport and the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, urging them to review the project’s status and consider additional support.