We contacted TfGM because parts of the scheme did not carry public support, including the changes to the right turn from High Barn Street and the proposal to remove the guard rails. Those rails are there to keep pedestrians safe and to guide people to the proper crossing points.
Public concern is understandable. A large amount of public money is being spent. TfGM have made some changes since, which is welcome, but the current design still creates problems. Replacing barriers with planting blocks sight lines and people will simply walk straight through it as the shortest route from the precinct to the Town Hall and ‘Market arch’ which takes pedestrians to the health centre and rear car parks.
The use of many units in Royton has also changed over recent years, which more bars and restaurants driving more evening and night time footfall. Bluntly, it does not protect pedestrians and it will not last.
I’ve been in regular communication with TfGM and I’ve escalated to the Leader of the council and Mayor of Greater Manchester as funders and the Highway Authority.
We need a practical solution:
𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥 𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡 𝐬𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐛𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐫𝐬, 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐬, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐰 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐦𝐨𝐯𝐞.
𝐓𝐟𝐆𝐌 𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞.
Jim McMahon OBE MP 