A MAN has started a petition to return a town centre road to a one-way system after a pedestrian suffered a fractured skull in an accident.

Jeff Cunliffe says people in Atherton never wanted to see Mealhouse Lane turned into a two-way route and it is no surprise that Philip Barnes, aged 23, was injured just days after it was changed.

The victim's mother Lorraine and step-father Michael Boote work at Jeff's business, J and K Taxis, on Elliott Street,

Tyldesley.

He said: "It was a disaster waiting to happen. Why was the road opened without crossings in place?

"We are seeking backing from people who didn't want these changes in the first place."

He added: "Drivers are already trying to avoid the system by using Hamilton Street and Gloucester Street."

Philip, of Oxford Road, Atherton, who works at McDonalds in Hindsford, is now recovering in the Royal Bolton Hospital after an accident last weekend in which he was hit by a bus as he tried to cross the new two-way Mealhouse Lane near its junction with Bag Lane junction.

Police closed the busy A577 for three hours, causing traffic chaos in the town centre.

Mum Lorraine said: "We are devastated. He is improving but can't remember a thing. We're backing this protest all the way."

Atherton Cllr Sue Loudon said she was promised crossings, which have not been put up, would be in place before the road opened.

She added: "There is no excuse. This was an unfortunate accident and I feel sorry that there has been an injury. Thank goodness it wasn't any worse.

"Drivers must remember there is a 20mph limit on both Market Street and Mealhouse Lane and when the work in the town centre is completed the buses will not use Mealhouse Lane at all, they will use Market Street.

"I shall be pushing to get the crossings installed as soon as possible."

A council spokesman said: "The two way system was introduced to alleviate traffic flow along Gloucester Street and Hamilton Street. It is part of a set of changes for the whole of Atherton.

"We have urged the contractor to implement the traffic signal system as soon as possible. We recognise residents' concern and would urge people to be extra vigilant and be aware of the changes."

Engineers say research shows traffic travels slower on a two-way system than on a one-way.