Manchester Road... on a quiet day

Calls for new islands along Manchester Road to help pedestrians cross have been turned down.

Derek Gradwell’s Liberal Democrat team asked the council to consider new pedestrian refuges after some residents contacted us to say how dangerous the road can be.

The section of road in question is from Chequerbent roundabout to the White Horse traffic lights.

The council refused the request because they say there are few recorded accidents along this stretch, and none have involved pedestrians.

Derek said: “The council’s response will do little to allay the fears of residents. That’s why I will be continuing to campaign for improvements.”

Derek’s team has since put forward another request, this time for central hatchings and the council said that it will look into the idea.

Hatchings are zig-zagged white lines painted in the centre of the road, which means cars must not drive through that area, allowing a small refuge for those wishing to cross the road.