Concerns over pedestrian safety at busy Wigan junction

Fears of a serious accident at a “dangerous” junction have led to demands by residents for a safer road crossing.
Coun Paul Blay and Coun Jim Talbot, right, looking onto the busy junction at Market Street, HindleyCoun Paul Blay and Coun Jim Talbot, right, looking onto the busy junction at Market Street, Hindley
Coun Paul Blay and Coun Jim Talbot, right, looking onto the busy junction at Market Street, Hindley

Locals say the road, which is at the junction of the Bird i’th Hand pub at Market Street and St Peter’s Church in Hindley, is unsafe due to the lack of pedestrian lights.

They also want to see a pelican crossing installed so pedestrians can safely navigate the busy stretch.

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Without action people fear someone could be seriously injured and killed.

One of the residents concerned is wheelchair user Ste Unsworth, who has set up a petition calling for a safer road crossing.

Mr Unsworth said the situation has got so bad that he has seen people having to wait for three traffic light changes before they can cross.

He said: “I have discussed this matter with several local residents, and all tend to agree that it is a dangerous crossing used by lots of parents with children. The crossing is at the junction of the Bird i’th Hand, Market Street and St. Peters Church.

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“I have spoken to the council and highways agency because, as a wheelchair user, I find it difficult to cross here safely and other able bodied people agree that it is unsafe due to the lack of pedestrian lights.

“The highway agency argues that it would have a detrimental impact on the traffic flow.

“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.”

He said that something must change before it’s too late.

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He said: “From a personal perspective, I also know that the pavement is too steep to safely manoeuvre so I am confined to staying on the Liverpool Road side unless I have assistance.

“Seeing as I live alone this is not always possible so I rely on passers by being there at the right time.”

Hindley councillor James Talbot said he supported a campaign for a “proper” pelican crossing.

Coun Talbot said: “I’m aware of the campaign for a safer crossing and there would be a need.

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“I did hear at one stage that some improvements would be made to widen the pathways to help traffic congestion.

“I would support the campaign for a proper pelican crossing.

“There are some traffic lights and there’s a controlled crossing on the opposite side near the church but something more is needed.

He added: “I’m not aware of any accidents or near misses.”

A Wigan Council spokesman said: “Traffic engineers have met Mr Unsworth to listen to his concerns about crossing the A577 Wigan Road at the Bird I’th Hand junction.

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

To view the petition, visit change.org and and search for “Safer road crossing at Bird i’th Hand junction in Hindley”.

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