Fun days hit home a serious message

Community Road Safety Fun day and Word Search competition prize-giving, at PETRA (Primrose Bank Estate Tenants' and Residents' Association). Left to right, Mayoress Jean Jones, Ihsaan Ali (2), Andy Ballington (Take Care Get There project), Nihar Sultana Panna (2nd prize), Aleesa Ali (1), Hamzah Javaid (7) (winner), Garry Adams (Take Care Get There project co-ordinator), Mayor Cllr. David Jones, Jasmin Lawrence (3rd prize).

BE bright and be seen was the theme of fun days and a competition designed to reduce road accidents.

They were part of the “Take Care Get There” road safety project that’s been set up to educate the public and find out which roads need a zebra crossing.

Unity Partnership Road Safety has secured Department of Transport funding to put several crossings in five areas of Oldham where accidents are significantly higher.

Rather than engineers deciding where the zebra crossings should go, the community is being asked to say where they would like to see them.

The latest fun days to attract involvement were held in Coppice and Clarksfield, with Limeside, North-West Oldham and Glodwick the other three areas involved in the project that have already held events.

The two fun days had the theme “Be Bright Be Seen” to get across the safety message with the clocks going back and dark nights drawing in.

Oldham Play Action Group carried out face painting for children in bright colours and there was safety advice on fireworks and a driving simulator complete with “beer goggles” to demonstrate the effect drinking can have on driving.

It was also an opportunity for residents to point out where they think zebra crossings should go.

A word search competition was also held with words around the theme, such as reflector, with prizes including a high visibility bag, bicycle lights, reflectors and yo yos. Unity Partnership Road Safety project co-ordinator Garry Adams said: “They were well attended.

“Everyone had a good time and they went really well.”

Statistics have identified the five areas as in most need of action.

The project has been reaching out to youth groups, children’s centres, women’s groups and social gatherings.