Apology for costly A58 Littleborough to Rochdale fiasco

Date published: 03/05/2006

The Council Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability, Cllr Ann Metcalf, found herself in the unenviable position of having to apologise for the A58 Littleborough to Rochdale road fiasco that has brought traffic to a standstill on an already heavily congested road adding to commuter’s misery. She said it was a mistake and she hoped the Highways Department would get it right next time.

The Council Highways Department installed a pedestrian refuge and created a ‘pinch point’ on the A58 after showing councillors a computer model of how traffic flow would be improved. Following uproar due to the gridlock backing up to Littleborough, a decision had been taken to remove the refuge and Cllr Metcalf was questioned about how much this would add to the cost to taxpayers – her answer an extra £14,000 on top of the £75,000 already spent.

Typical of the angry compalints that have forced the Highways Department U turn were those of Cllr Jean Ashworth. Cllr Ashworth complained it had taken her 35 minutes to get from Littleborough to Oakcliffe Road, she said it is "ridiculous... a complete mess."

Wardle & West Littleborough councillor, Cllr Robert Clegg was scathing in his condemnation of the Highways Department saying “an 11-year-old with a cycling proficiency badge could have told them that it wouldn’t work.”