The dangerous bend at the Wigan Road and Southfield Drive junction

Liberal Democrat councillors are calling for safety improvements to be made to Wigan Road.

Councillors Julia Silvester and David Wilkinson are both pressuring the council.

Julia said: “Residents have often complained to us about how dangerous the road is for motorists and pedestrians alike.”

An improvement scheme for Wigan Road from Wearish Lane to Cricketers Way has been set up but will need to be consulted upon first.

We are calling for:

- Improved crossing facilities at the Wearish Lane junction;

- Refuges to assist pedestrians crossing near Dobb Brow;

- A crossing at the junction with Broadwalk and Coverdale Road

- Traffic lights on the bend at the Southfield Drive junction.

Councillor Julia Silvester at the Wearish Lane junction

The council have informed us that they would be willing to put in a new right turn lane for people entering Southfield Drive as well as a refuge island for pedestrians.

But they refused Lib Dem calls for traffic lights because the accident rate is too low.

Cllr Wilkinson said: “It seems you have to have a serious accident or be killed before they will consider traffic lights.”

Lib Dems made similar calls for traffic lights at the Leigh Road and Washacre junction many years ago. After persisting, the council finally agreed to the lights, which were eventually installed at the danger spot.

Julia Silvester’s Liberal Democrat team has already had a number of road safety improvements made along Wigan Road at Hart Common including pedestrian islands.

We will keep you informed of progress with the plans through this website.