We’ve got the hump over roadworks

WATERHEAD councillors have slammed the traffic chaos on Ripponden Road after countless complaints from residents.

Linda Dawson and Lynne Thompson say people have had to put up with the noise, vibration and bumps for too long.

Last year the road was one of the first three schemes to benefit from a £10 million improvement programme, but the scheme was halted over the summer.

Councillor Dawson said that on the last two Mondays, during road surfacing, there was inadequate notice and planning and contractors were not given vital information such as where they could park large machinery.

She said: “That road was terrible to drive on for everyone.

“Signs were put up at the last minute.

“We have been dealing with complaints and working with council officers to sort things out and let residents know what is happening.

“One resident’s journey to pick up her children took two hours and there were other stories of people walking or carrying shopping a long way.

“A lot of people had difficulties with the large vehicles on Watersheddings Street.”

Councillor Lynne Thompson said the biggest problem came when a quarry company did not deliver stone until very late.

“I have to say that the council’s engineers responded quickly and effectively to problems as they arose.”

A council spokesman pointed out that there was an accident on the M62 which caused massive tailbacks to the M60 and into Oldham on Monday.

He said that on most days work was finished by 3pm, signage was in place, the council’s roadworks bulletin was up-to-date and that work is due to finish on Friday.