Radcliffe: Campaigner calls for safety calming measures

Police were called to Stand Lane, Radcliffe, just before 2.25pm on Sunday to, what officers describe as "a concern for the welfare of a person".

A police investigation is underway and a 15-year-old boy has been described as being in a "critical condition" in hospital.

Marian Peacock, from Radcliffe, says there has been an ongoing problem on the road, and that “it is just a matter of time before someone is injured or killed”.

She added: “The whole structure is set up for speeding cars and bikes.

“It was only in February when there was a three-car collision, and we went to police and the council in September 2021.

“I understand that what the council can do is limited because of the budget set by central government.

"But this will keep happening if people think that nobody will stop them.

“If you go to the area near where my house is you will see so many parked cars."

Marian says that the recent crashes are taking place in the same area, and that it happens on a regular basis.

Residents call for action

It prompted Marian to write a letter to Cllrs Gareth Staples-Jones and Alan Quinn.

She said: “I am aware that there are limits to what you can do to address this ongoing and if anything, worsening, problem with speeding cars and bikes and people on bikes of various kinds and scooters with no head protection, however, it is now clearly only a matter of time before someone is killed or again, seriously injured.

“In the absence of a permanent speed camera or active and persistent policing including temporary speed cameras and road modification, nothing will change and we will be left with a widespread knowledge that you can speed up and down Stand Lane with no consequence  and with persisting risks to life.”

Cllr Staples-Jones was in agreement with this being an ongoing problem for the residents before he was elected.

He said that he has been lobbying for the past 12 months, and has successfully secured £65,000 ring fenced for a crossing on Stand Lane, near Chapel Field Primary school.

He added: “This is in the hopes that it will be a safer place for residents to cross, to reduce speeding, and slow down traffic.

“I understand that it’s very tragic and emotional, and they want to know when something is going to be done.

“Even though this a proactive step, I know that there is still more to be done.”

Cllr Staples-Jones also said he would write to the police chief inspector to try and get a regular scheduled together for temporary speed checks.

Marian praised the new crossing and said that it was really important for the primary school children.

However, she said that the main crashes taking place happen before this point, coming from Ringley and the shops.

Multi-car collision in 2021, which included parked cars,