A NEIGHBOURHOOD blighted by motorists using the estate as a 'rat-run' could be transformed under new plans to create 'low-traffic neighbourhoods'.

Transport bosses are exploring ways to improve housing estates to make them quieter and safer for all residents.

One area which is being looked at is the Oldhams Estate, which says residents is used as a rat run.

Low-traffic neighbourhoods, known locally as Active Neighbourhoods, focus on prioritising the movement, health and safety of people over cars by using planters to stop rat-running on residential street

These innovative schemes are said to typically create quieter streets for residents to chat and for children to play, as well as making trips to schools and the shops safer.

Residents are being asked to feedback what they like about their area, but also how it could be made better ­— and whether they would like to stop through traffic using their streets as a short-cut.

Bolton Council’s Executive Cabinet Member for Highways, Cllr Stuart Haslam, said: “This consultation is an opportunity for us to work together with the community to get the right blend of measures to respond to local needs.

“With Covid-19, we have seen spaces being used differently with more reliance on active travel, use of public transport and increased home working.

“We need to hear people’s thoughts, particularly residents who live in the area – this is your neighbourhood, and we want to develop plans with your feedback.”

The scheme forms part of the Bee Network, a 10-year plan for Greater Manchester to deliver the UK’s largest cycling and walking network, eventually spanning 1,800 miles. The focus is on enabling people to leave the car at home for everyday trips to school or to the shops.

Chris Boardman, Cycling and Walking Commissioner for Greater Manchester, said: “Over the last decade traffic levels on main roads has barely risen, but journeys on residential streets have risen by a staggering 45 per cent.

“That’s five billion more miles being driven every year past people’s front doors, mostly by people using what should be quiet neighbourhood streets as shortcuts and that’s not right. 

“Neighbourhoods should be first and foremost for the people who live there, they should feel safe and able to ride, scoot or simply walk to shops and schools in comfort if they choose to, we need to get those rights back. 

“By stopping through traffic but keeping full access to homes for people who need to go there, Active Neighbourhoods prioritise those that call it home. I’d like to encourage local residents in Bolton and Bury, who want safe space outside their homes for them and their families, to get involved and tell us how they want their streets to look and feel.”

Funding for Active Neighbourhoods is from a central government pot – and has to be used for schemes like this.

To have your say visit https://oldhamsarea.commonplace.is/