PEOPLE living near a busy by-pass are calling for action after a 25-year-old man became the second motorcyclist to be killed on the same stretch in just six months.

Mark Bower, aged 25, died after coming off his bike in the early hours of Monday.

Paramedics and police were called to Atherleigh Way in Atherton just before 3.25am.

Surrounding roads were closed while the accident was cleared and emergency services examined the scene.

Mr Bower, of Winstanley Road, Bamfurlong, was taken to hospital, but died later from his injuries.

No other vehicle is thought to be involved and an investigation has now been launched into the cause of the accident.

Mr Bower’s death comes just six months after a 36- year-old motorcyclist was killed when his bike was involved in a crash on the same stretch of road near the Lovers Lane junction with Atherleigh Way.

David Brian Knowles, of Windermere Avenue, Atherton, died following a collision at the junction of Lovers Lane and Atherleigh Way in Howe Bridge, Leigh, in July last year.

Neighbours living close to the road are calling for action to be taken to make the road safer.

One resident, who lives close to the junction but did not want to be named, said: “Something needs to be done, it is too late for this motorcyclist.

“Two motorcyclists have died within months. It is a dangerous road and if something isn’t done someone else is going to get killed.

“There are many accidents on the road, not all of which are reported.”

Wigan Council said plans were already under way to examine whether the road could be made safer as part of a borough-wide review of roads. Officers from the local authority are now consulting local people about any concerns they had.

Head of highways at Wigan Council, Mark Tilly, said: “Accidents are way below the Greater Manchester target.

“In this case, the review will be localised to this particular area.”

Police are now appealing for witnesses to the accident to call the road policing Unit at Leigh on 0161 8567379.