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MP joins road safety fight
An MP has launched a blistering attack on Wigan Council's response to a road safety campaign following the death of a teenager.
Labour MP Barbara Keeley, whose constituency covers part of east Wigan borough, has called for a pedestrian crossing on the East Lancashire Road where Fred Longworth High School pupil Katie Gallagher was killed on January 14.
Friends and family of the 14-year-old from Tyldesley launched a campaign for safety improvements on the dual carriageway in Astley after Katie's death, and Wigan council is expected to cut speed limits on the road to 50mph from 60mph .
But Mrs Keeley said: "I have asked Wigan Council to take action to protect pedestrians, at the Chaddock Lane junction of the East Lancashire Road, following the tragic death of Katie Gallagher.
"There is a need for pedestrian safety measures at this junction, and campaigners for Katie's family are asking for a filtered pedestrian crossing. I believe this could save lives.
"Wigan Council has replied that they think there is not enough demand for pedestrians to cross at this junction to make a pedestrian crossing feasible. I think they are wrong.After two deaths of young people at this junction, Wigan council's response on this is unacceptable.
"I will not let this matter rest until suitable safety measures are put in place.
"I am also calling on Salford council to undertake an urgent investigation to see where pedestrian facilities can be introduced or improved on the East Lancashire Road in this area.
"I want to see speeds along the built-up sections of this road brought down to 30mph. A pedestrian hit by a vehicle travelling at 30mph has an 80% chance of survival, whereas a pedestrian hit by a vehicle travelling at 40mph has a 90% chance of being killed.
"It is the responsibility of both Wigan and Salford councils to protect pedestrians crossing the East Lancashire Road. I want both councils to conduct urgent investigations to see where pedestrian safety can be improved."
Mark Tilley, the council's head of highways and chair of the Wigan borough road safety forum, responded to the comments.
He said: "The A580 is one of the busiest routes in the borough and the council has a strong record in acting to keep it safe for all road users.
"This year, Wigan Council and Salford City Council are introducing a 50mph speed limit on its most urban part – including Astley and Boothstown.
"Wigan Council recently installed pedestrian crossing facilities in Astley and we are currently doing the same at Lowton Lane Head where there is substantial demand.
"Where there is less demand we look to enforcement, education and publicity to improve road safety."
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Weather for Wigan
Saturday 26 May 2012
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Temperature: 10 C to 23 C
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