Don’t forget us, says parish councillor

Cllr Robert Knotts

A Saddleworth parish councillor is asking for his country community to be considered in sweeping review to improve wellbeing and promote alternative travel initiatives in Greater Manchester.

Cllr Robert Knotts has sent results of his survey to Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester, cllr Sean Fielding, Leader of Oldham Council, and borough ward councillors.  

His move comes in the wake of Greater Manchester’s Beelines initiative, issued in June 2018, offered cycling, and walking infrastructure proposals. 

These included 80 new or upgraded crossings in Oldham with proposals 84 per cent  of the population would be able to use the  Beelines

But a cllr Knotts said: “Sadly, the proposals offer nothing to benefit Saddleworth.

“Oldham Council’s planning policy 5, entitled “Promoting Accessibility and Sustainable Transport Choices highlights the importance of ensuring new development locations are accessible by a choice of travel modes, including public transport, walking, and cycling. The policy relates to all types of development, “ he declared.
 
“Saddleworth’s narrow, hilly, and winding roads were designed for horses and carts and clogs, certainly not for modern levels of traffic, nor for bicycles in the early days of cycling. 

“Widening roads in Saddleworth and developing cycle paths are inhibited by the hilly geography and the constraints of existing building boundaries. However, that does not mean that their provision should not be thoroughly examined; the need is evident.
 
“Evidence offered shows a representative picture of considerable cycling activity in Saddleworth, albeit suggesting Saddleworth cyclists avoid routes through Oldham.
 
“Comments made as part of my survey  include many requests to improve opportunities for children to use bicycles to travel to school. 

“In addition, the comments express concerns and needs about cycling safety and the need for 20 mph speed limits in certain villages.”

He said there was “a vital requirement” for the bridge over Church Road, Uppermill,  to be replaced before schools reopen in September 2020, to allow St Chads and Saddleworth school children to use that route to walk to and from school. 

He added: “In addition, focus is needed on ensuring  cycling infrastructures are effectively included in all future new developments in Saddleworth.
 
“All  modes of transport need to be considered in urban and rural areas in Greater Manchester, currently the Beeline network proposals ignore Saddleworth.”

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