COUNCIL chiefs are asking residents to tell them which streets and pavements are unsafe as the town hall prepares to use £500,000 to improve Oldham’s highways.

The town hall is looking to bring in pavement widening and safer cycler lanes to make it easier for people to social distance once more people return to work.

The authority has been given half a million pounds in funding from Greater Manchester mayor Andy Burnham to put measures in place.

It would mean that there would be more space for cyclists and pedestrians to travel around the borough, and stay two metres apart from each other.

People are being urged to flag up locations they think could be improved on an interactive map, and have their say on what could make it better.

So far, more than 50 comments have been recorded, covering locations across the borough.

These include issues around pot holes, "rat runs" and speeding hotspots, as well as pavement parking and dangerous roads to cycle on.

A council spokesman said: “Over the coming weeks and months, it’s going to be vital that people continue to social distance, especially as more residents will be returning to work.

“We want to see even more people walking and cycling.

“We’re already looking at several schemes and these include better access routes into schools and education centres and seeing if we can remove any potential blockages, including badly parked vehicles, on our streets so people find it easier to get about.”

Road markings are to be "refreshed" and bosses will also be working with Transport for Greater Manchester to make sure social distancing is observed on public transport.

“We’ll also look to improve cycling and walking routes in and around Oldham as these will help people access facilities and travel to other boroughs,” the spokesperson added.

“We want you to tell us about locations in your neighbourhood that may need changes making to them to help people get about safely.”

To make a comment, visit safestreetsoldham.commonplace.is – and drop a pin on the map to make a comment about a specific location.

Cllr Ateeque Ur Rehman, cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said: “Residents need to feel safe when using our streets and public spaces.

“We also want to make it as easy as possible for people to get around so they can carry out essential journeys and get some exercise.

“We’ve come up with a number of measures that we feel will help out, and they also fit with our long-term ambition of becoming a greener borough.

“Now we want to hear what you think – and it couldn’t be easier and simpler.”

Comments need to be submitted by the end of June.