Residents seeing red over lights

OUTRAGED Saddleworth villagers are seeing red over news that a set of temporary traffic lights at a key junction will remain for at least more three months.

Originally, the lights were installed after a major water burst at Brownhill Bridge, Dobcross New Road on Good Friday caused damage and flooding.

The flood water caused movement to the bridge retaining wall and the lights were installed while Oldham Council engineers carried out a detailed inspection.

Now, Cabinet Member for Environment and Regeneration Mark Alcock, reveals further damage has been identified.

He says: “If two-way traffic was introduced now there is the potential for serious damage to the utilities that run under the road, including a gas main and fibre optic cables.

“Due to the extensive nature of the repair work that is required it will be necessary to keep the temporary lights in place for at least the next three months.

“The council will ensure that updates on the work are communicated quickly to all residents.”

But the decision has been widely condemned by locals and businesses in Uppermill, Dobcross and Diggle who complain the traffic lights are causing huge tail backs and hitting their communities.

Royce Franklin, chair of the newly-formed Traffic and Transport Group of Saddleworth Parish Council said: “I appreciate that safety must come first but we were promised this work would be done in two months.

“It is now a further three months and it is impacting on the villages, particularly Dobcross. What I find disappointing is the failure of the council to phase the lights to enable traffic from both Uppermill and Diggle to run simultaneously.”

A spokesperson for Saddleworth Business Association said: “Everyone is really upset about these problems. It has had a severe impact on passing trade in Uppermill because the village is often jammed with vehicles.”