Stuck in the middle with you

UNHAPPY: florist Janine Lancashire and Kwok Wong, from the Ree Ming Chinese takeaway, say the new island will hit their businesses

WHEN controversial plans to install a traffic island hit opposition from Royton residents and businesses, highways bosses did a U-turn.

After agreeing to move the islands on Oldham Road to accommodate customer and residents’ parking, everyone was happy.

But just months later, work started on the island - in a different location and without consultation.

Instead of repositioning the traffic island near its original location,, workers are now installing it outside other businesses which claim it will have a “catastrophic” effect on trade.

“It only started on Monday and it’s already causing havoc,” said Janice Hewitt, manageress of florist Sweet Peas.

“While they’re doing the work no-one can park here. We took £309 last Monday, this Monday we took £27. I can’t believe after all those meetings and telling us they had taken our comments on board they have gone and done something completely different.

“At the moment there is restricted parking in front of some of the shops but with the island there that will have to change. They say this is the most dangerous road in Royton — but I’ve been here for 14 years and haven’t seen one accident.”

Other businesses voiced similar concerns: dental studio owner Chris Webb, said he had already had three cancellations from elderly or disabled customers who could no longer park outside during their visits.

“The council didn’t have the common courtesy to let local businesses know work was even going on,” he said.

Councillor Dave Hibbert said the council is installing several islands along the road to make it safer to cross.

“Residents are happy with most of them, but raised concerns about the location of one. We repositioned that island to address these issues. The new location is in line with a local path and avoids the need for further double yellow lines. It also means visibility out of St Phillip’s Drive is improved - cars can no longer block the view.”