Public Rights of Way should always be open and available for use but there are times when Bolton Council will close them for short periods. Public Rights of Way must not be closed or restricted without our consent.

A Public Right of Way may be closed if we are satisfied that:

  • works are proposed to be carried out on or near the Public Right of Way
  • there is a potential danger to the public or serious damage to the Public Right of Way
  • it is necessary to allow for litter clearing or cleaning

Currently advertised notices of applications (CA17)

Current applications by landowners to deposit a map and statement, or lodge a declaration under Section 31(6) of the Highways Act, or deposit a statement under section 15B(1) of the Commons Act 2006.


Temporary closures and modification orders

Please click the links below to view the documents associated with our orders and notices (pdf format).

WES071-072 Wilson's Farm Railway Bridges off Jacks Lane Westhoughton
BLA015/011/010 & HOR179-105 - off Aspinall Way, Middlebrook, Horwich
LIL038-040 - Old Creams Paper Mill off Mytham Road
WES092 - 093 Dobb Brow, Westhoughton
HOR119 and BLA013 - Horwich Loco Works 
KER024 - Off Kearsley Road, Kearsley
BOL284 - Hall Lane, Lostock
WES092 - Westdane Drive, Westhoughton
WES118 – off St Helens Road, Over Hulton


Notice of Right of Way diversion

There are no current diversions.


Restrictions on Open Access Land

Please click the links below to view the documents associated with exclusion of public access (pdf format).

Wilton 3 Quarry
Robin Hood Quarry


Permission to temporarily close a public right of way

We can issue a temporary traffic regulation order (TTRO) when works on the highway, or some large deliveries, require a public right of way to be closed or restricted temporarily to the public.
We also have limited powers to make temporary traffic regulation orders relating to special events taking place on the public highway (e.g. ceremonies, parades, festivals, funfairs, street parties). There is a Government Guide to holding an event on the highway which contains more details.

PLEASE NOTE - Due to the legal processes involved and the need to advertise any proposed closure, we require SIX WEEKS notice to process a temporary traffic order.

For further information on closing a public right of way or temporary traffic orders, please contact the Public Rights of Way Team.


Contacting us

Our staff are often out of the office and unable to take calls.
The best way to contact us for all Highways enquiries, is to complete this form and we will get back to you as soon as we can.