I READ the letter in the Bolton News of June 11 regarding the tragic death of Gay Wharton.

This needless loss of life could have been avoided if Greater Manchester Police and Bolton councillors had heeded the warning from residents that speeding was becoming a real and present danger.

I am one of those residents who noticed a significant increase in speeding around Queens Park and Chorley New Road. Many other people within Halliwell, Smithills, Heaton and Doffocker also voiced their concerns on a local Facebook group and over 100 residents reported dangerous speeding in those areas.

On May 5, 2020, I reported these concerns to the police via their online reporting form. I then copied in eight councillors as well as one local MP.

Two weeks later without a single reply I emailed all eight councillors again asking for suggestions as to how we can minimise the problem of speeding. Only one councillor, Bob Allen, bothered to address my email.

The police eventually responded but only because I had filed an official complaint against them. The replies centred on general policy and lack of resources. My concerns about speeding and other issues were not addressed

With zero police presence in the area, elements of the community felt emboldened to do what they wanted, when they wanted and where they wanted.

Within a few weeks of the tragic death of Gay Wharton, Greater Manchester Police found the resources to launch Operation Portman - too little and too late for the poor lady and her grieving family.

Mr M Kamella