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Fury over new bus lane

27/ 8/2003

ASHTON homeowners are furious over council plans to build a bus and cycle lane.

Residents from Oldham Road expressed their anger at a council meeting held last week - saying the creation of a third lane on their street would increase the risk of traffic accidents and devalue house prices.

They have also submitted four written objections and two petitions to the council in opposition of the lane, which would form part of an intermittent bus and cycle lane from Ashton to Oldham.

Oldham Road resident, Tania Wlodarczyk said: "Before the motorway was opened from Ashton to Oldham, maybe we did need another lane but now it's in use, the traffic has diminished to such a level I really don't think we do".

Another resident, Angela Wearden said: "We will have to park on the other side of the road so my young daughter will have to cross three lanes of traffic to get to the car. It's really dangerous."

And Vic Fawcett said: "I've looked at where there are bus corridors and they're not outside houses. My neighbours will have nowhere to park. The council don't need to waste money on this. I've been living here for 18 years and I don't think any of the councillors would like their homes to be unnecessarily devalued overnight.

However, a spokesperson from the council's engineering department said: "We need these quality bus routes to reduce bus travel times. The is one of the borough's main highways and it's crucial we improve the provision of public transport. This is the council and the PTE working with the Government to help them implement their policies to make bus travel an attractive option."