A PETITION has been launched calling for a mini roundabout to increase the safety of a busy road plagued by car crashes.

MP Chris Green is teaming up with councillors to urge Wigan Council to develop a roundabout on the junction of Tyldesley Road and Tyldesley Old Road in Atherton.

Leigh Journal:

Bolton West and Atherton MP Chris Green

Recently an eight-car crash took place on Tyldesley Road on May 28 where a man in his mid-20s was taken to hospital.

This incident was followed by another collision on June 8, when an Alfa Romeo Giulietta ploughed into two parked cars before the driver reportedly made off on foot.

Mr Green said: “I was angered to hear about yet another serious car crash, which could have resulted in fatality, taking place on Tyldesley Road.

“It was grim to learn that following last month’s eight car crash on Tyldesley Road, an individual in one of the cars involved had to be cut out by the fire service in order to receive medical attention.

“Urgent action must to be taken to prevent any further accidents from taking place, which is why Atherton’s independent councillors and I am urging Wigan Council to build a new mini roundabout and asking Atherton’s residents to support our petition.”

It is hoped the mini roundabout would cause vehicles to slow down, prevent accidents and cope with an increase in traffic.

Mr Green and Atherton’s independent councillors will also be canvassing in areas around Tyldesley Road on Friday between 11am and 1pm with a copy of the petition for people to sign.

Leigh Journal:

Atherton councillor Jamie Hodgkinson

Leader of the Atherton Independent Network, Cllr Jamie Hodgkinson, said: “Atherton Independent Network councillors welcome the support from Atherton’s MP Chris Green to resolve the road safety issues on Tyldesley Road, that has seen many accidents in recent years.

“We are in constant talks with council officers to make the roads safe and this particular area sees speeding on a regular basis and action needs to be taken, so I hope that residents will support us in our campaign for a mini-roundabout to improve the safety of Tyldesley Road.”

Tyldesley Road resident Nicky Stott believes speed cameras or three-way traffic lights would better alleviate the problem though.

The Royal Bolton Hospital healthcare worker went canvassing around her neighbours' houses in 2016 after a vehicle crashed into hers and her partner's car, which were parked outside their home.

And just over two weeks ago, her car was written off in the crash involving the Alfa Romeo Giulietta.

Leigh Journal:

Nicky's silver car with her partner's vehicle in front after the crash in 2016

Leigh Journal:

Nicky's car after the crash three years ago

Leigh Journal:

Nicky's car after the crash on June 8

Leigh Journal:

The Alfa Romeo after the latest crash

Nicky, 55, said: "We do need to do something as Tyldesley Road is being used as a race track.

"Cars are speeding past way over the limit every night after 10pm until the early hours.

"I think we only need a couple of cameras or a three-way traffic system.

"I cannot see how large vehicles that go to Chanters Industrial Estate would get around a small roundabout though.

"It's also not fair that the crashes have cost me money and left me without a car for work when I've had to wait for the insurance."

Nicky raised safety concerns that the road is widely used by Fred Longworth High School pupils too.

READ > ‘I cooked my dinner while on hold to council call centre’, says councillor

Sergeant Simeon Holt, from Greater Manchester Police's (GMP) Road Policing Unit, said: “Road safety in and around Greater Manchester is of paramount importance to us and using speed cameras is just one of the ways we can implement this to act as a deterrent to speeding motorists, reduce accidents and to generally make our roads much safer places to be.”

“The speed limit is there to protect all road users and should always be adhered to.

Motorists should reduce their speed to suit the road conditions at that time ensure they drive in a responsible manner so they don’t put themselves or others at risk.

We regularly run Operation Considerate in and around Wigan which targets motorists and an array of driving offences, as we look at how road users interact with each other.”

“At GMP we are working hard to reduce the number of serious collisions and fatalities on our roads and while education is always our preferred option, there comes a time when enforcement action needs to be taken.

"We are committed to working closely with our partners and the community to actively discourage inconsiderate drivers which includes those that are speeding and reduce the amount of accidents that happen on our roads.

“These incidents will also no doubt form part of the local authority strategy who evaluate issues and may also further involve partnership work with transport agencies within the area, and we will look to support any solutions that they may wish to encompass.

"In the interim period, we will be looking to provide a presence in the area to reassure residents in and around Atherton.”

To sign the petition to create the mini roundabout click here.