"Something needs to be done or someone will be killed".

Those are the stark words of Tottington resident Jane Garstang, who has expressed her dissatisfaction with road users in the village and her thoughts that there is not enough speeding or illegal parking enforcement.

Jane said Chapel Street and Holcombe Road are among others in the area blighted by speeding and motorists parking in dangerous spots and there will be fatal consequences unless authorities crack down on the problem.

One crash blackspot is Stormer Hill, where Holcombe Road becomes Chapel Street.

Four serious crashes have been reported there in the last three years.

Jane believes speed cameras would soon force reckless drivers to slow down to avoid being hit by fines.

More needs to be done to tackle inconsiderate parking too, she added.

Bury Times: Cars in Tottington parked on the pavement Cars in Tottington parked on the pavement (Image: Public)

After seeing parents with prams and people on mobility scooters having to use the main road due to parking obstructions, Jane said: “There is a failure to act on reports of illegal parking outside St Anne's Church (on Chapel Street).

“I have been asking that they stop vehicles parking illegally on the large pavement that I assume was originally to allow a hearse into the graveyard. 

“However, other vehicles constantly use the added space to block the pavement so mum's with prams and people on disability scooters have had to go onto the main road, at a considerable risk due to the speeding vehicles.”

Speaking about speeding in the area, she warned: "Something needs to be done or someone will be killed."

After contacting Greater Manchester Police, she said she was told the issue relates to her neighbourhood policing team who recommend calling 101.

A force spokesperson said: ''You will see your neighbourhood policing team working with your council, the NHS and other organisations to solve problems that affect crime and anti-social behaviour in your area.'' 

Tottington has recently seen some road safety schemes come into place, however, Jane feels this action is not enough and has called for side streets to also be given 20mph limits.

Cllr Yvonne Wright shares similar worries and spoke to Bury's top police officer recently to talk about the problem.

She said: "I met with Chief Superintendent Chris Hill earlier this month to discuss my concerns of Crime in the Ward including reckless drivers and made him aware of the extent of the problem.

"I receive constant complaints regarding motorists driving at excessive speeds on Bury Road, Market Street, High Street and Turton Road.

"The council inform those breaking the law by speeding are the responsibility of the police, however the council can help with road markings and traffic calming measures but I am informed that all current funding has already been allocated.

"Residents of Laurel Street have this week submitted a petition for some traffic calming measures in their area including a 20mph zone, this is due to this street attracting joy riders racing down this narrow Laurel Street at excessive speeds near the High School. 

"20 mph zones were cancelled by the council four years ago due to lack of funding and fixed speed cameras are needed but again, I am informed it’s a question of funding."

The council said they cannot enforce speeding or obstruction but are aiming to introduce more road safety measures.

A spokesperson said: “We have installed a number of road safety schemes at various locations in the borough.

"These are primarily at locations where there is a history of accidents causing injury, or where there is serious risk posed to pedestrians and cyclists who cross the road.

“We are aiming to introduce more road safety schemes in the coming years, as funding becomes available, and the location of a school nearby may result in it being given a higher priority for a scheme such as a 20mph zone featuring traffic calming measures.

“Any scheme put forward would need to be consulted on with local residents and have the approval of the police and emergency services.”

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