A new pedestrian crossing has been unveiled on a busy road in Middleton in a major safety boost for the area.
The new crossing in Oldham Road, close to Warwick Mill, is part of a wider safety drive, which will see a new pedestrian crossing created in each township, using investment from Transport for Greater Manchester.
And the crossing is already reaping benefits for local schoolchildren from the nearby St Peter’s RC Primary School.
Headteacher, Joanne Clinch, said:
“This road is incredibly busy; so much so that when we take the children to Middleton Arena for their swimming lessons, we used to hire a coach to get there, as we didn’t feel confident safely taking an entire year group across this road. This crossing means we can now all walk down together, so the children can get fresh air and start exercising before they even get in the pool. It will also save us a lot of money hiring coaches.
“As part of getting ready for secondary school, children in Year 6 are also able to walk to and from school on their own and this will enable them to enjoy that independence in a safe way. We’re delighted with it.”
Councillor Shah Wazir, cabinet member for highways, said:
“Our roads are for everyone; and it’s vital that pedestrians, people in wheelchairs, cyclists and people with prams, can get across them safely. If people don’t feel safe, it makes it harder for them to get out and about in the fresh air and that’s very isolating.
“Having this crossing in place will make it easier for the many people living in this busy residential area to access everything that Middleton town centre has to offer, including the fantastic Middleton Arena, and I’m delighted that St Peter’s School is already opting to walk instead of taking the coach to get to their swimming classes there. That’s a brilliant step forward and exactly why things like this are needed.”
St Peter’s pupil, Ava, aged 10, said:
“This is easier for children to cross the road than at other junctions, as it’s a much safer route for them. This is an amazing opportunity for young people and cyclists to cross the road.”
The crossing at Middleton is the second in the borough, with one recently being installed in Shawclough Road, close to the entrance of Healey Dell, and another currently under construction in Halifax Road, close to Smithy Bridge.
Further crossings will be introduced in Kirkholt and Heywood.