Crisis talks over 'danger' road

8:41pm Friday 7th March 2008

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CRISIS talks are set to take place over a 'danger' road in Rossendale following a late-night crash in which a vehicle burst into flames.

People living along Market Street, Whitworth, are concerned about the growing number of accidents along a three-mile stretch running through the town.

Now Whitworth councillor Alan Neal is set to meet with council chief executive Carolyn Wilkins this week over what can be done regarding the route.

Market Street is already home to no fewer than seven fixed speed cameras.

And Whitworth Town Council has also announced that it will be paying for two mobile cameras to cover accident blackspots locally.

Coun Neal said: "This needs looking at because there has been a lot of accidents along this road recently."

In the latest incident, at around 7.30pm on Thursday, a car burst into flames after a collison near the junction with Oakenshaw Avenue.

The crash, along what is known locally as the Promenade, was between a Peugeot 106 and a Ford Transit van.

Fire crews from Bacup were called to the scene but a female driver managed to escape before the blaze took hold.

Paramedics took the motorist to Rochdale Infirmary to be threatened for injuries, which were not thought to be serious.

Motorists along Whitworth Street were also left counting the cost in December after a driver careered along the road, smashing into a number of vehicles before fleeing the scene.

And last May a 20-year-old motorist from Rochdale was badly hurt after crashing into a wall and lamp post.

Traffic officers believe he lost control while travelling at speed towards Bacup.

Police cordoned off the scene while an accident investigation was carried out in the latest crash. People who saw anything leading up to the incident should contact road traffic police on 01282 425001.