Leader’s road gridlock fury

A top councillor has slated officers for traffic chaos in Shaw, when resurfacing work clashed with road works, after complaints from an important constituent — himself.

Shaw Councillor Howard Sykes, the council leader, is demanding an explanation from executive director Elaine McLean after his three mile journey from home to Oldham took 45 minutes yesterday morning.

As part of the council’s £10 million road repair programme, a major road resurfacing contract is being carried out in Shaw Road, and traffic is being diverted down Manchester Road, Shaw, and through Salmon Fields, Royton.

But there are also road works there and the two schemes have clashed causing the major delays.

Another Shaw driver sent an angry email to Councillor Sykes saying: “It is absolute mayhem. Extra traffic in and out of JD Williams as well as all the extra Christmas shoppers and wagons at Asda.

“Shaw has become gridlocked! Who in their right mind sanctioned this on the run up to Christmas?

Councillor Sykes told Ms McLean, the director of economy, places and skills: “My journey ended up with me having to make a detour through Royton and just for the record, traffic was backed up as far as Linney Lane.

“My office is currently dealing with very angry residents who obviously feel the same way I do.

“I would also like to know who sanctioned these works.”

He told the Chronicle: “This is acutely embarrassing.”