Outcry over danger road one-way plan (From Bury Times)

Outcry over danger road one-way plan

2:35pm Friday 18th January 2013 in Bury

RESIDENTS in Holcombe have voiced their opposition to proposals for a one-way restriction on one of the borough’s most notorious roads.

Bury Council is currently holding an information consultation on whether a “no entry” sign should be erected in Rawson’s Rake, next to the lych gate at Emmanuel Church.

It would stop traffic heading downhill from Holcombe to Ramsbottom.

The aim would be to reduce the number of accidents on the steep, narrow road, which is particularly hazardous in icy conditions.

The Holcombe Society held an open meeting last Thursday evening to discuss the proposal.

More than 60 people attended, and the majority — around 90 per cent — did not want the road to become one-way.

Among their objections were fears that motorists would drive faster if the road was one-way, as they would not have to slow for oncoming traffic.

Committee member, Falmai Binns, said: “It was a very good meeting and a good opportunity for discussion.

“The feeling overall was that it would cause a tremendous amount of inconvenience.

“People were against the one-way proposal because they didn’t think it would solve the problem.” Members of the society will now set up a working party to look at alternative solutions.

They could include widening the footpath, contacting parents through local schools to encourage them to use a different route, and organising walking buses for schoolchildren.

Dr Binns added: “We already knew there was a lot of opposition to this proposal. Obviously we don’t want children to be hurt, but we do think there are other solutions.”

The council’s consultation runs until tomorrow and anyone wishing to have their say should email traffic@bury.

gov.uk.