WHAT is it about Wigan Council and its obsession to destroy Atherton with its traffic management systems?

Firstly we had traffic lights and a new two-way system built on Mealhouse Lane; the traffic lights were a nightmare out of synchronisation with each other, meaning a journey of less than a quarter of a mile could take 10 minutes or more because you would end up stopping at each set of lights.

Then there was the ridiculous idea of putting traffic lights near Atherton station to let a few commuters an hour (probably councillors) off the car park at Atherton station on to Bolton Road; this now causes tailbacks, sometimes as far as Four Lane Ends in Bolton.

Then we had speed ramps on Hamilton Street, that don’t stop speeding motorist but annoy the householders who live on that street with the constant thud of vehicles going over them and damaging vehicles in the process.

Then some bright spark decided to but a driving test centre in our little town.

Now I understand we all have to learn, but Atherton isn’t big enough for learner cars, lorries, buses, trailers, motorbikes, etc, etc. What next? Learner horse and carts?

And to top it off we are now having a bus lane built for the new busway, cutting the parking area for Atherton residents who want to shop, and what for?

Probably the shortest bus lane in the UK costing taxpayers of Atherton lots of money in the process and for a bus to Manchester that nobody will catch because it’s quicker by train.

We in Atherton are surrounded by a traffic management system not fit for purpose. It is killing the town centre and people are avoiding the area and shopping out of town to avoid the chaos caused by some scrupulous councillors who either have a hidden agenda or have not got a clue about traffic management.

Wigan Council will not be happy until every shop in Atherton is closed and tumbleweed is blowing down the street. Shame on every councillor who has voted to kill Atherton off with these ridiculous ideas.

Frustrated motorist and shopper