Move to make bus stop safe

A PARISH councillor has won the first round in a battle to get a Saddleworth bus stop made safer and warmer.

Councillor Ken Hulme complained to transport managers that the stop on Denshaw Road near Tame Lane and Slackcote Lane, Denshaw, is dangerous for schoolchildren.

There is no pavement and they have to stand on the side of the road on dark mornings waiting for their school bus.

He also suggested an unused bus shelter in Diggle, where the local service has been diverted, could be installed in Denshaw.

And it appears he has won the first argument to get the stop moved.

Sarah Towey, administrator with the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Authority, told him the route development officer for Oldham had made a site visit with Greater Manchester Police and the Highways authority.

She added: “All parties agreed that the stop is too close to the junction of Tame Lane and is therefore unsafe in its current location.”

And they agreed that moving it to the other side of Tame Lane is the best option.

Hard standing will be provided for the waiting school children.

But another site visit will be needed to asses if a shelter can be installed.

She told him the Diggle shelter cannot be transferred in case of any future route or service alterations.

She added: “We are aware that the shelter is still being lit, however the shelter is solar powered so does not cost anything to light.”

Councillor Hulme said: “It looks like things are moving and we might even get a shelter.”