Crossing upgrade welcomed

Shaw is united in relief following Oldham Council’s pledge to upgrade the notorious crossing on which a 12-year-old girl lost her life.

Determined protesters won their battle with council chiefs on Tuesday when the authority announced plans for an upgrade of the Milnrow Road crossing.

Annalise Holt was killed by a van on the crossing days before Christmas. Lynn Steele had died at the same crossing in January 2012.

Councillors led by Howard Sykes, Rod Blyth and Mark Alcock have long campaigned for change at the junction and were delighted by the announcement.

Councillor Blyth, vice-chairman of the Shaw and Crompton District Executive, said: “My colleagues and I welcome any news that will see this crossing improved and enhanced.

“We will continue working with Oldham Council and local residents, as we have in the past, to get much-needed upgrades for this crossing and the nearby busy junctions as quickly as possible.

Residents reacted furiously to the death of Annalise and serious injury to her 11-year-old friend. More than 150 people disrupted traffic and waved placards at a protest in December.

Protest organiser Danny Shepherd said he was delighted to finally see action but wants to ensure that the right measures are implemented.

He said: “I’m overjoyed. We have done really well but the thing now is making sure the right action is taken.

“We want to see four sets of lights at the crossing and the junction with Salt Street, we want spot lights on either side and some signs on the approach so people know there is a crossing.

“I’m happy that at last they understand our feelings on the matter. There would have been nothing worse than dragging this out so this is great news.”