Calls to shut ‘unsafe road’ made following death

Locals are calling for the immediate closure of an ‘unsafe road’ following a fatal crash on the border of Oldham and Tameside this month.

A 70-year-old woman died in hospital after an incident on Waggon Road around 2.30pm on August 10, Greater Manchester Police confirmed.

The Alt Lane Residents Group, supported by the Park Bridge Residents’ Action Group and Fund, have called for the immediate temporary closure of Waggon Road and a full safety review.

The groups claim another serious crash at Mill Brow on August 14 is another example of why this review ‘must lead to a permanent solution for the safety of residents’ of Park Bridge.

A spokesperson for both the groups said: “Since the closure of Alt Hill Lane, the road that runs adjacent to the village, access in and out has been restricted to a single-lane route via Waggon Road, Mill Brow, Dean Terrace and Alt Lane.

“For years, residents and visitors have repeatedly raised concerns about the safety of this route, warning local authorities about the dangers posed by the increased volume of traffic, poor accessibility, and overgrown trees and shrubs encroaching on the carriageway.

"These warnings have consistently fallen on deaf ears, with no meaningful action taken to address the risks.

“Park Bridge is an area of unique biodiversity and heritage, enjoyed by walkers, cyclists, and horse riders.

"Increasingly, these groups are avoiding the area due to the hazardous condition of the road and the reckless driving of those who use it as a cut-through.

“Although the route crosses the Tameside and Oldham boundary, both authorities share responsibility and must work together to deliver a permanent and effective solution to this long-neglected safety issue.

“We demand urgent action. A temporary road closure may cause short-term inconvenience for some residents and visitors, but the safety of all road users must come first.”

Both Oldham and Tameside councils say they are collaborating over plansfor the road network in the area.

Tameside council has said a full review will take place once a police investigation has concluded into the fatal crash.

There is no intention from either local authority to temporarily close Waggon Road currently.

A Tameside council spokesperson said: “Our deepest condolences to the family of the person involved in this incident.

"A police investigation is currently taking place, and once further details are known, we will be undertaking a full review.”

Coun Chris Goodwin, cabinet member for highways on Oldham Council, added: “The circumstances surrounding the tragedy on Waggon Road are currently the subject of a police investigation, and it would be inappropriate to comment further until that investigation has concluded.

“At this stage, we are not aware of any other injury-related accidents on the Alt Lane and Park Bridge corridor since this incident, or during the preceding three years.

“The council is also aware of resident concerns regarding this site and we have worked closely with Tameside Council, which introduced the restrictions, to find a solution to issues being raised.”

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