Villagers braced for road chaos

Date published: 18 July 2014


Saddleworth is bracing itself for a six-week lock-down when the key elements of a £1 million sewer-replacement scheme begin on Monday.

Businesses in Uppermill fear road closures and lengthy detours down narrow lanes could lead to widespread chaos.

Phase four of the massive United Utilities operation will mean the closure of a section of Church Road, linked to Uppermill’s High Street — with diversions to houses and businesses via Greenfield or Diggle.

Reassurances

One householder, concerned about emergency services, has been in regular contact with Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth.

Speaking from Westminster, she said: “I’ve written to the council, police, ambulance and fire services and had reassurances that they have informed their staff about the work in the areas affected.”

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service’s borough manager for Oldham, Kevin Talbot, said: “We have worked closely with our partners ahead of the essential works and residents can be reassured in the event of an emergency we will get a fire engine to them.”

Meantime, one local trader forecast: “There will be mayhem. I had a delivery but the lorry was too big to negotiate the diversion route and had to return to its base in Liverpool to be reloaded and return in a smaller vehicle.

“The real problem is many people only know the main routes into the village and there is a chance they will meet traffic head to head on the lanes.”

Helen Apps of United Utilities said: “There has been a lot of liaison with all the agencies involved over the best way to divert traffic while this essential sewer work takes place.

“The police advised a mandatory one-way system along the diversion route would be too dangerous as people would drive much faster, increasing the risk of collision.

“We hope people will observe the one-way signs to avoid difficulties with cars passing, and drive slowly enough to avoid accidents.”
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