‘Making communities safer is top priority’

AN accident blackspot which has claimed nine deaths in 11 years is in line for improved safety features.

Highways officers completed a detailed investigation in Lees Road, close to its junction with Wellyhole Street, following the death of 15-year-old Chris Dale who was hit by a car on June 13.

Their report examines past collisions in Lees Road and instances of vehicles failing to give way at the Wellyhole Street junction.

The findings show that the level of accidents and traffic speeds have fallen significantly in recent years but new measures — including new central islands, vehicle activated signs and speed cameras — are being considered.

One of the road’s worst fatalities took place in December, 2003, when 16-year-old pals and budding footballers Christian Leyden and Anthony Hughes died after the car they were travelling in was hit at the bottom of Wellyhole Street.

Councillor Mark Alcock, Cabinet member for the environment and infrastructure, said: “Making our communities safer is a top priority for Oldham Council and following the tragic death of Chris Dale in June it was only right that we carried out another site investigation. We’ve monitored Lees Road and Wellyhole Street over the years but the latest expert advice again shows that the level of accidents — and the speed of traffic — has fallen significantly.

“After Chris Dale’s death in June we engaged proactively with the Oldham Youth Council, of which his sister, Rebecca, is a prominent member.

“We have since been developing an education and training package for young drivers to deliver in local schools, colleges and other appropriate venues.

“We anticipate that we are to get a £25,000 grant from the Greater Manchester Specific Road Safety Grant allocation to help us produce a high-quality and high-impact project.”