Concerns remain over Newhey rat run

Bethany Lane - The tricky slope drivers would have to negotiate in reverse if stuck (taken from the view of the one proposed set of bollards)

Residents remain concerned about Bethany Lane, Newhey despite  the council’s decision to close the lane to vehicular traffic.

https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/115658/newhey-rat-run-to-close

Bethany Lane is a very narrow single track road with bends, inclines and in some parts stone walls to both sides. Historically a dirt track, it has been used as a ‘rat run’ in both directions between Huddersfield Road and Haugh Lane. 

Helen Aldcroft said: "The battle may not be completely over yet though. Residents are keen to have the job done properly - installing two sets of bollards at the top and bottom of the narrowest hill section of the lane and ensuring that adequate and appropriately positioned signage should be erected to mark the closure.

"However, recent online plans only show one set of bollards at the top of the hill section and signage of the road closure from the Haugh end to be located opposite the Cedar Tree.

“This seems to be half a job. Unobservant drivers who miss the sign at the Cedar Tree will travel all the way up the narrowest section before finding themselves stuck at the top of Bethany Lane and having to negotiate a difficult reverse downhill. This is highly likely to cause further damage to the walls and cars – who will pay for that?”