23 hours Ago
Proposals to block off a road and lower the speed limit have been welcomed by residents. The estate around Academy Way in Lostock has been earmarked to become a 20mph zone and the junction of Academy Way and Ox Hey Lane could be shut off to traffic. A proposed traffic regulation order on Bolton Council 's website suggests the changes are to improve safety in the area.
Under the proposals a 20mph speed limit would come into play on Academy Way, Coachfield Drive, Harrier Close, Hawkers Lane, Skylark Close and Foxhunter Close. There would be no left turn and no right turn restrictions in all directions at the junction of Academy Way, Ox Hey Lane, Mill Lane and the Bolton Wanderers Academy car park. Double yellow markings at points on Harrier Close, Academy Way and Mill Lane are also planned.
Blocked off access from Academy Way onto Ox Hey Lane (Image: Newsquest) The proposal states: "The Highway Authority is implementing no waiting restrictions throughout the site in an effort to keep the highway clear for service and delivery vehicles. "Prohibited turn restrictions have been implemented to deter traffic from using Ox Hey Lane and Mill Lane and ensure safe access and egress to/from the BWFC Academy." Residents and councillors welcomed the changes.
Read more: Residential roads to be made one-way on grounds of safety and high levels of traffic Read more: Have you say on where to develop in Bolton and which areas should be preserved Read more: 'Local people' to help decide how £20M will be used to improve town Cllr David Grant said: "It is a sensible option with the new development on Academy Way which will lead to more traffic down into Ox Hey Lane and that area, restricted traffic because it is an ancient byway, quite a narrow road. "With the parking restrictions, anything to ensure there are no blockages or stoppages along there is a sensible idea. "It makes sense that the extra traffic generated by the new development is contained where it should be.
Academy Way (Image: Newsquest) "Particularly when it comes to parking on days in which the Academy is being used, there can be a lot of irresponsible parking around there." A new link road was built at the eastern end of Academy Way onto Ox Hey Lane as part of a housing development which is being constructed there. But fencing has been erected to prevent it being a through road.
One Academy Way resident said: "For us, it is more the amount of cars going that way, a lot of children play in the area. "Cars could get through previously, so they would use it access. It would be nice if you could walk through, but shutting it to cars makes it quieter, as everyone used to cut through.
" Another said: "This is a very busy road and they are building new houses at the bottom. Our children are around, but cars always come down at speed. The blocked-off entrance to the BWFC Academy (Image: Newsquest) "That is why speed bumps were brought in, but it would be good to have a 20mph limit.
"Before, people going to the Academy would come down and would go fast, but now they have closed it off, which is good as they go around now." One other resident added: "Children do play on the estate, one child was hit last summer so it is good they are bringing in a speed limit. "It should be 20mph here.
" Another said: "I think the end should remain closed, it would make it more busy here if it doesn't. "There are lots of children on this estate and if that was open then it would be terrible." The closing date for objections on this proposal is March 31.
Any objections or representations should state the grounds they are made on and be sent either by email to [email protected] or in writing to Highways and Engineering Division, 3rd Floor, Paderborn House, Civic Centre, Bolton BL1 1UA.
.
