Caldershaw crossing a step closer

Traffic monitoring officials record the road and foot traffic on Caldershaw Road

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Caldershaw residents have come a step closer in their quest to get a permanent crossing point installed on Caldershaw Road. A traffic survey began today to assess the need for a crossing facility in the area around the roads junction with Cut Lane.

The road, which stretches through the busy Caldershaw housing development and is used daily by thousands of vehicles, has long been a cause for concern for residents. Local councillor, Peter Winkler, took up the plight last year following calls from residents, parents and teachers at local schools who all fear for the safety of people who have to cross the busy road.

Councillor Winker said: “Caldershaw Road is one of the busiest in the area, it serves a large area of housing and is used by a huge number of vehicles every day. We have three schools in the area so parents and children are crossing this road in their hundreds morning and evening. There is also a church, a community hall and recreational areas that are accessed outside of school hours, and of course many people who simply walk around this area whether it be with dogs, to the local shops or other reasons.

“I am really concerned that there is going to be a very serious accident here if something isn’t done. For such a long, busy road it is astonishing that we have not permanent crossing point. At the end of last year I spoke to parents and their support for a crossing point was overwhelming. I know that money is hard to find at the moment but this is a matter of public safety.”

Councillor Winker went to the Norden Area Forum to request that funds be allocated from Norden's ward fund for a traffic survey, which will make a full assessment of the road and foot traffic using the area and start the formal process of justifying the need for a crossing point.

Councillor Winker added: “I am delighted that we have been able to allocate money from our ward funds for this project. The traffic assessment means that we can properly justify the need for a permanent crossing. This is just the first step, even if we can justify the need, we still have to fund the crossing but today we are a step closer.”