Ann Lewis, an 84-year-old resident of Grimshaw Lane in Middleton, has spoken out against proposed traffic calming measures, arguing they will create new problems rather than solve the longstanding issue of boy racers speeding at up to 60mph on the 30mph road.
Proposed Changes and Resident Concerns
The plans, funded by Transport for Greater Manchester's Bee Network, include three pedestrian crossing islands, bus stop improvements, and double yellow lines at blind spots. Ann Lewis, who suffers from mobility issues after a recent stroke, would lose her parking space outside her home. The double yellow lines near the junction with Sandy Lane mean she would have to park opposite, but she fears she cannot cross the road safely with her shopping.
“Our houses are cracking due to the shaking of the buses and cars going past,” Lewis said. “We asked Dylan Williams for help with the racing boys. He got this funding to get this sorted. But now we are going to have double yellow lines outside the house. Dylan has offered to put a disabled bay opposite Sandy Lane. But I would not be able to get across the road with my shopping. We are all being affected by this. This has nothing to do with boy racers now, but that’s how it all started. The money to sort that problem has created a different one for us. We have a right to live here peacefully. This is not meant to be a race track.”
Community Divided Over Safety Measures
Ann's son Heath, who recently moved to the area, believes the road cannot support heavy traffic, citing a recent sinkhole. He argues that parked cars currently act as a buffer between houses and the road. The proposed bus stop island would bring vehicles closer to homes. He suggests a speed camera or chicane as alternatives, but ward councillor Dylan Williams says the road is not eligible for a speed camera.
Councillor Williams, who is also highways boss at Rochdale Council, defended the scheme: “You can’t have a disabled space on that road. I have said that anyone with a disabled parking permit, we will find a space for them. That bend is very dangerous. A lot of car crashes have happened around there. Officers have looked at how this will slow movement of traffic. We have looked at parking cars further up as well. I have listened to what locals have said. If we were to look back on this after someone died in a crash and see we had funding to do something with the road but didn’t, it wouldn’t look very good. The majority of the public say they want it.”
Other residents support the plans. Michael Jackson, 81, of David's Farm Close, said parked cars block his view when exiting his street, forcing him to make dangerous U-turns. He added: “It’s taking your life in your hands when you come out of my street. Anything to improve things is needed. Something needs to be done. Do we have to have another person getting killed before something is done?”
Fatal Crash and Urgency for Action
Neil Eaves, 44, who lives opposite a crash site, recalled a fatal accident in 2024 when Terence Lewis James, 78, was hit by a car while walking with his 10-year-old granddaughter. James died in Salford Royal Hospital. No arrests were made, according to Greater Manchester Police. Eaves said: “I’ve noticed there have been a few accidents, with that man dying. There was an elderly couple that got clipped as well. One time I heard a noise and I looked out the window and there was a car upside down. They go past so fast all the time. The noise is like ‘zumph’ as they woosh past. I have to tell my kids about proper road safety. I think cameras might stop people speeding as people slow down when we see them. Anything to stop the speeding.”
The scheme is currently out for public consultation. Subject to results, work could start in the coming months. Councillor Williams added: “The proposed scheme on Grimshaw Lane, funded by Transport for Greater Manchester through the Bee Network's Streets for All programme, is designed to improve road safety for all road users and pedestrians. It includes traffic calming features, such as pedestrian refuge islands, removal of dangerous blind spots and narrowing of some of the most dangerous junctions on the road intended to help manage vehicle speeds and make it easier and safer for people to cross the road. Highways, TFGM, ward councillors, the emergency services and members of the public have all inputted into these proposals. We carried out a public consultation on this scheme and are currently reviewing all the responses received, including those from local residents. These will then be reported to the Middleton Township Committee, which will make a decision on whether the scheme will be introduced in due course. Everybody who responded to the consultation will be invited to attend and take part in that meeting.”
