Dangerous road crossing next to St Mary's Primary School to be made safe

Local councillor Richard Farnell at dangerous road junction at Queen Victoria Street and Platting Lane

Safety work is to be carried out at the busy junction at Queen Victoria Street and Platting Lane - adjacent to St Mary's Primary School, Balderstone.

Following an appeal from the headteacher and governors backed by local councillors, Rochdale Council's Action and Resources Committee approved £17,000 for essential safety improvements to the road junction.

Local councillor Richard Farnell said: "This is a really dangerous spot particularly at busy times when children are coming and going to school.

"There are so many cars trying to get into and out of Platting Lane, they are mounting the pavement and putting young lives at risk.

"I have been campaigning for months for safety measures to be put in place before someone gets seriously hurt. I did manage to get a bollard put in place, but that didn't solve the problem.

"There are lots of children and parents crossing the road at this point and lots of cars turning in and out of the Platting Lane and Queen Victoria Street junction. Cars and children don't mix. Something needs to be done - and quickly.

"I'm pleased that the Council, despite tough financial times, has found the cash to allow vital safety measures to be put in place."

Pedestrian safety barriers are to installed, along with raised speed humps and changes to the layout of the road junction.