New traffic fears over bridge closure plan

Ladhill Bridge in Greenfield

THE closure of Ladhill Bridge at Greenfield would put pressure on two road junctions in the village, objectors claim.

Under proposals from Oldham Council, the Ladhill Bridge over Chew Brook would be closed to traffic which is currently increasing. That would mean that traffic would be diverted via Manchester Road.

Residents and residents groups are being asked their opinions before the end of the consultation period tomorrow. Bob Weedon, groundsman at Greenfield Cricket Club, which overlooks Ladhill, said he was concerned that there would be more traffic pressure on the Royal George junction on Manchester Road and on the Clarence roundabout at the other end of Greenfield.

Mike Rooke, secretary of Greenfield and Grasscroft Residents Association, said: “To our knowledge there has not been an accident in the past 100 years at the Ladhill bridge crossing where traffic speeds are never in excess of 10mph whereas the faster busier roads have seen many serious accidents, including fatalities.”