East v West row over roadworks

ROAD WORTHY. . .Councillor Ian Barker on an area needing attention in Failsworth West

A FAILSWORTH West councillor has slammed the state of the roads in his ward.

Conservative councillor Ian Barker has called for Oldham Council to tackle the ‘quickly deteriorating’ carriageway — and said he was concerned about a lack of investment in the roads of Failsworth West.

And he added this was especially noticeable when compared to the amount of funding for neighbouring Failsworth East.

Councillor Barker, who was specifically concerned about Farm Street, Marlborough Drive, Stott Street and Propps Hall Drive, said: “I have identified these roads as being in dire need of attention with regards to maintenance and resurfacing.

“I am also going to be pushing for ‘appropriate’ safety measures on Lord Lane and Clive Road.”

Councillor Barker said Labour promised action to tackle Oldham’s roads, labelled the worst in the country, when was in power but Failsworth West had been forgotten.

He said in comparison, Failsworth East has benefited from cash for schemes in Roman Road, Hibbert Crescent and Brierley Avenue.

And there were future plans for improvements on Ashton Road East and in Woodhouses village.

And he slammed plans for road safety in Lord Lane — calling it a waste of money — and criticised his opposition ward councillors for allowing the roads to go without investment so long.

Councillor Jim McMahon, Labour group leader and Failsworth East councillor, said the top end of Clive Road and Warwick Road in Failsworth West had been recently resurfaced.

And more than £150,000 has been spent on a new footbridge near Morrisons, in addition to £420,000 as part of the quality bus corridor scheme on Oldham Road in Failsworth West.

He said: “The reality is that there are always far more priorities for funding, and new councillors will realise the waiting list for road resurfacing is very long, with schemes waiting for years to be done.

“Roman Road, which I put on the resurfacing programme in 2003, is only now being completed.

“As a new councillor Ian Barker is right to highlight areas where he feels more investment is needed, and where this means getting better deal for Failsworth he can rely on our support.

“It should be acknowledged that any failings are not the result of poor representation by elected members and the evidence of investment supports this.

“I would hope he reflects on those comments and now that the elections are over, we can work together for the good of Failsworth.”