Gates scheme would keep weekend revellers safe

WEEKEND revellers could soon be kept safe by permanent gates to prevent motorists driving in Yorkshire Street at busy times.

Details of the proposed £168,000 scheme have been outlined in a report seeking approval from the executive director for regeneration.

Traffic is currently prohibited from Yorkshire Street between its junctions with St Mary’s Way and Horsedge Street between 8pm-5am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Vehicles are kept out by police who have to arrange for signs and barriers to be transported from the council’s Lees Road depot each time the road is closed. This proposal allow police to close gates when necessary.

Gates would be installed near 51 Yorkshire Street, and traffic diverted through Rock Street and Horsedge Street. The scheme also allows for refurbishing footpaths on Yorkshire Street between St Mary’s Way and Church Street.

The cost of the scheme would be offset by £60,000 acquired from Hillstone Developments, and £45,000 from Manchester Methodist Housing Association to make improvements to Oldham town centre.