Area Forum vows to back Broad Lane residents after gritter crash

The Kirkholt and Balderstone Area Forum have voted unanimously to support the Broad Lane Action Group (BLAG) following discussion regarding the recent serious accident on Broad Lane when a gritter-wagon collided with a house on Friday 30 November  and the driver had to be freed from the vehicle by firefighters.

The householder, Ken Hammond and Neil Longsden of BLAG outlined the background to the incident and the long-standing concerns about traffic on Broad Lane in the light of planning applications to build 200 new homes in the area. Residents are concerned that the increase in traffic will make matters worse and put lives at risk.

The plans by Taylor Wimpey and Wainhomes have been rejected by the council, despite the recommendations of council planning offers but appeals has been lodged by the developers to the National Planning Officer. These are to be held separately and are due to be heard in the New Year.

The Area Forum is to support BLAG by sending objections to the Planning Inspector regarding the applications and also passed a motion that they would ensure attendance at the Appeal of local residents and the Chairman of the Forum, Colin Mottershead.

Several people present spoke from personal experience of the dangers presented by traffic on Broad Lane to pedestrians, horse riders, and cyclists.

Mr Andrew Dawson, Township Manager, told the meeting that he was aware that the Highways Department, Balfour Beatty, and Greater Manchester Police were all conducting investigations into the accident and the dangers presented by the bends on Broad Lane and he would ensure the forum was updated at the next meeting in March.

Objections to the applications to build 200 houses on Broad Lane have to be made by 17 December with regard to the Wainhomes Appeal and 27 December for the Taylor Wimpey Appeal.

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/75706/firefighters-free-driver-of-gritting-lorry-which-collided-with-a-house  

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/70751/broad-lane-residents-say-no-to-new-housing-plans