Norden Puffin crossing gives freedom to blind man

Puffin Crossing

A new, modern puffin crossing on the A680 Edenfield Road, Norden has finally been installed, after months of debate at the Norden area forum meetings.

The new crossing is located outside the Post Office in Norden, and replaces the old zebra crossing which was ineffective and inappropriate for the location. With many residents complaining that it was an accident waiting to happen.

For one Edenfield resident, Mr Ken Patterson the crossing will allow him to cross Edenfield Road alone. Ken, age 60 has lived on Edenfield road for 11 years and has been unable to cross busy Edenfield road as he is blind.

Ken comments: “When I first received my guide dog four years ago I was taught how to use the zebra crossing, but it got progressively dangerous and after a few near misses I gave up using the crossing. Drivers just don’t pay attention to the zebra crossing.

“Not being able to cross the road has left me a prisoner in my own home, as all the shops, dentist, post office etc are over the road and I have not been able to visit them alone.

“The new puffin crossing is safer and gives me the freedom to cross without the fear for my safety. I understand that some people were concerned about the noise pollution from the bleepers, but for me without the bleepers the new crossing would have been as ineffective as the zebra crossing. Also, the noise from the traffic far outweighs the noise of the bleepers. I would like to thank the council and Impact Partnership for installing the new Puffin crossing.”

Impact Partnership manage the highways in Rochdale and worked on the consultation and installation of the puffin crossing. Impact’s director of highway’s services, John Cheetham said: “We are extremely pleased to hear that the new Puffin crossing will be of great benefit to Mr Patterson as it will to all in the community. This type of crossing gives a clear and unambiguous indication as to when pedestrians can cross the road. 

“The crossing incorporates an audible indicator to assist those who are partially sighted and detectors which extend the crossing time for the less sprightly pedestrian. We hope that the crossing will be well used by all in the local community and be of great assistance.”

Val White, Assistant Rochdale Township Manager said: “The puffin crossing received some criticism in the forum meetings regarding the noise pollution at night due to the audible bleeps. However, the bleeper is on a timer and switched off between the hours of 11pm and 7.30am”.