An accident waiting to happen?

Washout . . . the huge puddle in Westminster Avenue

WORRIED residents whose street overlooks a huge 80ft-wide puddle are appealing to the council to get rid of the water before tragedy strikes.

Residents of Westminster Avenue, Royton, say their washout street is an accident waiting to happen, as children splash about in the water in front of their homes.

Resident Angela Marland is so worried about the state of the road she has stopped her three young children playing outside in case they slip under the water.

Mrs Marland (34) said: “This puddle has been a permanent fixture on the road for about a year now and it’s a complete eyesore. The children are always playing in it and there’s definitely enough water for a child to drown in it.

“Once the rain comes, it gets even worse. The puddle swells until it is at least 2ft deep and the water runs into our gardens.

“There must be a drainage problem around here and the council need to look at it before there’s a nasty accident.”

And the puddle is not just a hazard for playful youngsters.

“I can just about avoid walking through the puddle if I am going a certain way, but for people who want to access certain areas around here, they have no choice but to walk through it,” Mrs Marland said.

Assistant director of highways and engineering, Tony Noblett, said: “We are aware of the large pool of water in Westminster Avenue. The council is investigating and will carry out any work necessary to fix the problem.”