Concerns mount over danger road as vehicles navigate narrow thoroughfare

NO room for manoeuvre . . . a bus mounts the curb to squeeze past

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A NARROW street is causing safety concerns for workers and pedestrians in Oldham town centre.

When trams were introduced to Oldham town centre in 2014, traffic was redirected up Retiro Street from Union Street causing problems for pedestrians and those who work on the street as they are narrowly missed by motorists.

One side of the street is designated for parking spaces and the redirection of the traffic means more cars, vans and buses are having to navigate the tight space, often by mounting the pavement.

Martin Hickey, from Paul Martin LH Painting and Decorating, on Retiro Street, said: "Since they redirected the traffic up Retiro Street you come out of the door and walk straight into a car. This street is too narrow for the traffic and because of the car parking on one side, the cars driving up have to come on to the pavement. One of our office workers almost got hit by a van as they left."

Mr Hickey suggested perhaps a better option would be to send the majority of traffic up Queen Street as the wider road would be better able to accommodate the extra load.

He said: "Why don't they send the traffic up Queen Street? The roads are a bit bigger there.

"Nearly every other week there is an accident, people get their wing mirrors knocked, especially if there is a van coming up the street.

"If something is not done then someone is going to get seriously injured."

The council has been notified about issues with the traffic going up Retiro Street and has suggested potentially moving the car parking spaces to the other side of the road may ensure better safety for pedestrians as they wouldn't walk straight out of their offices into oncoming traffic.

However, an upcoming review of the highways and traffic in the area will give them a better idea for a solution.

A council spokesman said: "The council is carrying out a highways and traffic review on Oldham town centre roads following Metrolink's introduction along Union Street in 2014.

"As part of this wider review we are looking at Retiro Street to see if any changes need to be made and we will inform businesses of any proposed changes."