Delicate move on roadside shrines

AN OLDHAM councillor wants floral tributes at the scene of road accidents cleared — and memorial areas provided at cemeteries instead.

Labour Councillor Dave Hibbert says providing road accident victims’ memorial gardens would create a safer and more appropriate place for those in mourning to pay their respects.

He is concerned that hazards are created by the presence of wreaths and flowers at road junctions, but wants to ensure families and friends have the opportunity to remember their loved ones.

The Chadderton South councillor said: “Accidents often occur at junctions and on busy stretches of roads.

Wreaths

“This can make it very dangerous for family members and friends to stop their cars to lay wreaths and bunches of flowers.

“It could also cause accidents when drivers’ attention is drawn to the colourful displays on walls and lampposts.

“People’s immediate reaction is to place floral tributes at the scene of the accident. I feel that this need should continue to be satisfied and arrangements should be made to enable them to do so safely.

“But they also wish to mark the anniversaries of the accidents and the provision of quiet areas would enable them to recall their fond memories of their loved ones in peace and dignity.”

Councillor Hibbert admits that funding may be difficult to obtain and has called for his proposal for a suitable area in Chadderton Cemetery to be put on the agenda of the next Chadderton Area Committee.

He added: “I am sure that my other eight councillor colleagues would look favourably on exploring the possibility of finding the necessary finance from within the councillors’ funding allocation allowances.”

Floral tributes have become increasingly common at crash sites, sparking debates over their suitability. Over the last few years, local authorities have looked to remove the shrines saying they could lead to more accidents. Oldham Council has a 30-day period, after which flowers are respectfully removed.

Relatives group RoadPeace says there’s a need for bereaved people to lay flowers and that it’s hypocritical to allow large advertising boards to stand at the roadside but to label bouquets as a distraction.

The Association of British Drivers says far from being a distraction, the shrines act as a warning to people to drive safely.

Tributes left to a young father who died when his car hit a lamp post in Broadway, Royton sparked controversy last year.

Neighbours were upset at the shows of grief and bouquets of flowers left at the tree for Craig Franklin (23).

But his family wanted to pay their respects at the spot where he died and were distraught when a memorial plaque on the tree was stolen.

In another tragedy last year, dozens of flowers were left in Middleton Road, Chadderton after three people died in a smash.

Councillor Hibbert added: “With all respect to the people that lost their lives, if I lived in that house I would not want all those flowers on my wall again every year. It does cause a distraction.”