PROPOSALS to make part of the old railway route between Bury and Bolton into a bridleway have been given the green light.

The former Bury to Bolton Railway pathway creates a serene route for walkers, cyclists and riders between the two towns.

Plans to adopt a significant portion, between Hardman Street, on the outskirts of Radcliffe, to Lower Spen Moor, as a bridleway, have now been given the go ahead.

Two phases have already been completed for the scheme, which is being funded by a £650,000 allocation from the government's Growth Deal.

The first saw an extension of the Bradley Fold railway path, early in 2016, and provisions for a link to Launceston Road in 2018.

This was followed by a fresh link from Buckingham Drive past Lower Spen Moor.

And the third phase is a route connecting new housing developments in the area to Hardman Street, including the signalised crossing of Ainsworth Road.

A council official, confirming the decision, said: "The scheme would be 100 per cent funded through the GM Growth Fund Transport Programme and a provisional allocation has been made for it.

"The scheme is part of a long-term project to deliver a quiet road/off road cycle route between Bury and Bolton. A continuous route already exists in Bolton."

The adoption will trigger compensation payments for certain portions of the new leg.

Planning agreement funding can also be used for parts of the designation.