Council "u-turn" on Townhead junction

Photo: David Platt

Collision at Townhead junction

After numerous accidents and injuries at the now infamous Townhead junction, Rochdale Council has finally relented and done a "u-turn" about installing a new right filter at the dangerous junction.

Rochdale Online has reported extensively on the many collisions that have occurred since the junction re-opened in October 2015 after 'improvement' work, and the increasing local anger at the Council (see chronology below).

The leader of the Council, Councillor Richard Farnell issued a press release saying he had become "increasingly concerned about the number of collisions at this junction over recent weeks following improvement works" - in fact, the 'improvement' works were completed in October 2015 and a letter penned by Clive Jones, published by Rochdale Online, was sent to Councillor Farnell in November 2015:

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/99485/townhead-junction-letter-to-council-leader

Councillor Farnell has now "instructed highways bosses to install a right filter into Whitworth Road".

Conservative Leader Councillor Ashley Dearnley said: “I think it’s absolutely appalling that it has taken this long for something to be done.

“I think it’s unacceptable and it’s very frustrating for the people of Rochdale, not to mention dangerous.”

Lib Dem Leader Councillor Andy Kelly said: "I’m glad the council has done a U-turn here, it was only a matter of time before someone got killed, and then we’re dealing with a whole different matter.”

“It’s a wonder nobody has been killed so far with this junction.

“Some of my constituents have even said that they avoid the junction altogether because they’re terrified of it, what does that tell you?

Despite the ever increasing number of accidents and local concern so great a petition was started to get a right filter installed, the Council had previously steadfastly refused to make further changes to the junction.

It is understood it will be a "number of weeks" before the new filter is in place. In the meantime, motorists using the junction should do so with the utmost caution.

The chronology

9 October 2015
Townhead Junction re-opens
http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/98479/townhead-junction-reopens

24 November 2015
Two drivers taken to hospital following collision at Townhead Junction
http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/99408/two-drivers-taken-to-hospital-following-collision-at-townhead-junction

24 November 2015
Concerns raised about the safety of Townhead Junction
http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/99424/concerns-raised-about-the-safety-of-townhead-junction

26 November 2015
Townhead Junction accident
http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/99481/townhead-junction-accident

27 November 2015
Six accidents now - letter to council from concerned resident
http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/99483/six-accidents-now-letter-to-council-from-concerned-resident

27 November 2015
Townhead Junction - letter to Council leader
http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/99485/townhead-junction-letter-to-council-leader

01 December 2015
New signs at Townhead Junction
http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/99530/new-signs-at-townhead-junction

11 January 2016
Driver and passenger treated for minor injuries after Townhead crash
http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/100336/driver-and-passenger-treated-for-minor-injuries-after-townhead-crash

12 January 2016
Concern still being raised about the safety of Townhead junction
http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/100380/concern-still-being-raised-about-the-safety-of-townhead-junction

22 January 2016
Another collision at Townhead Junction
http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/100594/another-collision-at-townhead-junction

09 February 2016
Yet another collision at Townhead Junction
http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/100975/yet-another-collision-at-townhead-junction