Bad parkers at Wigan beauty spot block 999 crews

But measures have now been taken which, it is hoped, will eradicate the danger at least for now.

Local councillor Paul Blay said that on two recent occasions fire engines and ambulances have struggled to reach casualties at Borsdane Woods, Hindley, due to double-parked cars near the entrance.

The incidents have happened over the last two weekends and pictures show firefighters and paramedics struggling to squeeze past in their vehicles along Hindley Mill Lane and Danes Avenue, which leads to the woods.

And temporary double yellow lines have now been installed in the area in a bid to halt the problem, with Coun Blay saying “lives could have been put at risk” had not action been taken.

He said: “A lot of people have been going for exercise during lockdown and it’s chock-a-block, especially on weekends.

“You get a lot of cars parked on Hindley Mill and that turns left onto Danes Avenue where there’s a little bridge that goes over a stream, and they park down there also.

“So there have been two incidents over the last two weekends at the woods where ambulances and fire engines have been unable to get through.

“They weren’t life-threatening incidents fortunately, but they could be and lives could be put at risk by this parking.

“This is potentially life-threatening.”

After being contacted by concerned residents about the matter, Coun Blay teamed up with fellow councillor James Tablot met up with a Wigan Council traffic officer to see if restrictions could be put in place to stop this happening again.

He said; “So it was agreed to install double yellow lines on one side of Hindley Mill Lane and going onto Danes Avenue.

“They are temporary double yellow lines for now but we wanted to get something in quickly.

“Hopefully people parking down the road will be deterred by the double yellow lines and it does the trick.

“There is a car park further down the road which could be used which isn’t far from the woods, but some people obviously don’t want to walk that bit further.”

He added: “It’s good news that action has been taken and let’s hope people park sensibly and continue to enjoy the beauty of the woods.”

The councillors hope the lines will be made permanent if they prove effective.

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