Wigan councillors call for a new bypass to halt problems

Coun Paul Blay and Coun Jim Talbot both want to see a bypass constructed around what is one of the busiest junctions in the borough.

This is the junction of the Bird i’th Hand pub at Market Street and St Peter’s Church in Hindley, which sees a huge volume of traffic.

Locals have also said the “dangerous” junction is unsafe due to a lack of pedestrian lights and safe crossing points and fear there could be a serious accident.

Although, the councillors would welcome the installation of a pelican crossing so pedestrians can safely navigate the busy stretch, their main wish is for a bypass.

Coun Talbot said: “We feel a bypass would solve the issues around the junction.

“There are several crossings available at the junctions that people could use and another pelican crossing would be welcome, but the long term solution is a bypass.

“This would help with traffic and road safety.”

For years, Coun Talbot said he has been calling for a bypass and there have been plans but they keep getting knocked back.

He said: “There have been plans for a bypass, which I’ve been calling to have for years, but they keep being opposed by some councillors.

“There is a lot of ‘Not In My Back Yard’ opposition.”

In the past he said Wigan and Bolton councillors have worked together on a bid for a bypass, but because of objcetions the plans are in government hands now to decide.

“I’d like to see any bypass come off Liverpool Road.”

The calls come after residents set up a petition calling for a safer road crossing at the junction.

Wheelchair user Ste Unsworth was behind the petition and said the situation had got so bad that he has seen people having to wait for three traffic light changes before they can cross.

He said previously: “Apparently, a pedestrian it seems needs to be hit and seriously injured or killed because the highway engineers department have no plans to do anything about it, despite me actually showing them how difficult it is to cross here.”

A Wigan Council spokesman said traffic engineers have met Mr Unsworth to listen to his concerns about crossing the junction.

The spokesman added: “Junction improvements at the Bird I’th Hand junction remain a council priority and we will continue to monitor the situation.”