No decision made regarding traffic issues on Starkey Street, Heywood

Members of the Heywood Township Committee have agreed not to make a decision about what to do to solve traffic issues on Starkey Street, Heywood until other options have been explored.

At a meeting on Monday (3 November) councillors discussed the proposed Prohibition of Driving and associated No Waiting At Any Time restriction plans put forward to councillors.

A number of objections to the plans had been made with residents filling the meeting to hear the councillor’s decision.

Councillor Ray Dutton, Chairman of Heywood Township, said: “With an issue like this, we are dammed if we do and dammed if we don’t. We have got to deal with the safety at this junction.”

A petition of 48 signatures was handed to the committee against the proposals.

Councillor Peter Rush said: “I am against this proposal. If we block the road off then we are just sending the problem elsewhere. I would like to see traffic lights or a roundabout put in place. I think a roundabout would be the best solution. There is plenty of land there so let’s take advantage of that.”

Councillor Alan McCarthy said: “Due to the amount of accidents we have had, we have a duty of care to bring this issue forward and get something done. I am quite happy with the measures in place but I am also happy with a roundabout to stop people jumping across.”

Councillor Colin Lambert added: “Our primary judgement has to be children’s safety. It is time to put children’s safety first. We should do a feasibility study for a roundabout. I would take a lot of convincing on traffic lights but I would agree with a roundabout. Let’s put our children’s safety first and let’s get on with it.”

Residents in attendance at the meeting also agreed that safety needed to come first with many discussing traffic accidents in the area.

After a lengthy discussion councillors agreed to defer a decision until all options have been looked at. The issue will now be referred to the next Rochdale Cabinet meeting for the issue regarding a feasibility study to be discussed.