DESPITE local opposition and dubious reasoning in the first place, the council pushed ahead with road marking "traffic calming" plans on Rectory Lane, Prestwich. The title implies that improved road safety was the objective.

On Feb 10, the bollards of the pedestrian refuge opposite the school (presumably a "safe" place to cross) were hit three times in one day by motorists and demolished yet again.

Should we blame the motorists? No. They would need the skill of a rally driver to negotiate this 150-metre section of narrow road which contains a dangerous bend; three side roads; a school; a lollipop lady with a death wish; parked cars on either side of the road; a pedestrian refuge of chicane design; and - at this time of the year - a blinding low winter sun.

I am favour of any plan which improves road safety for everyone - pedestrian and motorist - but this arrangement has created a recipe for accidents.

Most pedestrians see the danger of crossing at this refuge and will not use it. Even the school crossing warden doesn't use it!

While money has been spent in undertaking the work, more money will now have to be spent on constant repairs. And while road safety at this point has actually decreased, the council plan to spend even more money by adding further obstacles on Rectory Lane!

A serious re-think is called for where the real problems can be looked at and common sense changes can be made.

MARGARET MAHON,

Rectory Lane,

Prestwich.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.