Worried residents fear 999 access danger

BUILDING site: residents Joan Moran (left) and Kath Hadfield on Crossley Estate.

CONCERNED householders claim they have been cut off from emergency services by building work on their estate.

Great Places housing group and Wates Living Space are replacing kitchens and bathrooms and repairing almost half the properties on Chadderton’s Crossley Estate — blocking roads and footpaths for up to four months.

Kath Hadfield (67), of Lancing Walk, said: “I understand it is a huge job and I know you can’t complete something this big without disruption. “I don’t mind the inconvenience but if there was a fire or a medical emergency I honestly don’t know what would happen. The closest you can get to our home is the car park in Kent Avenue - then you have to walk all the way round the estate on uneven, makeshift footpaths.

“My husband Alan was very ill a few months ago and was in hospital. I am sick with fear about him falling ill again; paramedics wouldn’t be able to get to our house. They would have to carry him on a stretcher all round the estate.”

Neighbour Joan Moran (67) added: “I can’t do a weekly shop anymore as the taxi can’t get anywhere near my front door and I can’t carry bags on foot. “I have arthritis in my hands and its painful for me to lift heavy things so I have to go to the corner shop several times a week.

“Christmas will be ruined because we can’t have anything delivered and any family members visiting with prams or wheelchairs will find it very difficult to get into our homes.”

A spokesman for Wates Living Space said: “We have unfortunately had to close Sussex Close to vehicles to allow work on new drainage, street lighting and to replace the highway with a ‘shared surface’ arrangement. We are three weeks into the 16 weeks of work.

She added that emergency service have been told about the work and the firm’s security guard would open site gates for clear access if the need arose. Staff members have also talked to the local primary school, and one undertakes school runs twice a day to make sure the route is safe.

Residents with specific concerns can call the liaison team on 0300-123 2003 or email Infooldhampfi@wates.co.uk.


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