Leader raises fears over late night car racers
ALEX SCAPENS
POLICE have been quizzed over what they are doing to tackle a spate of ‘highly dangerous’ drivers reportedly racing through Rawtenstall late at night.
Rossendale council leader Coun Alyson Barnes has written to Lancashire Police citing ongoing concerns about the issue in the town centre.
Coun Barnes has requested a briefing about what action is being taken after residents raised fears on social media. The area near St Mary’s Way is said to be a hotspot.
She said: “We have been made aware by concerned residents about an issue in Rawtenstall of people racing cars very late and loudly ●● Coun Alyson Barnes has written to police through the town centre, which is obviously highly dangerous and completely unacceptable.
“We take this issue very seriously and fully understand how distressing this is for residents impacted by these selfish actions.
“I have personally raised this with the police inspector and am requesting a full briefing.”
Concerns have been raised over the lack of police presence in Rawtenstall town centre at night and the effect speeding cars could have on the night time economy.
David Gould, chairman of Rawtenstall Chamber of Trade, said: “It is concerning and could deter people from coming to venues.
“A new restaurant is about to open on Bank Street so this is not the sort of thing we want.
“I am concerned about the police presence, it is rare to see a police car, the only time is when one goes past with its lights on going to an incident.
“We understand there are cutbacks but this is important, we need a police presence to deter people such as this.”
Residents living on the roads leading in and out of Rawtenstall have also complained of the danger posed by speeding cars.
Colin Hilton, 38, lives at the junction of Bacup Road and Bocholt Way, where there is a mini-roundabout that he says vehicles regularly drive over at well above the 30mph limit.
He said: “It is every night, it’s amazing they make it round. I’ve been here a year and there have been two crashes, neighbours who have been here longer have seen a lot more.”
Nick Schofield, 35, of Burnley Road, said: “It is a 40mph but cars go 60 or 70. You get it every day.
“Cars get wing mirrors taken off, the windows shake and it is not safe it you have little kids.”
Rossendale Neighbourhood Police Team was unavailable for comment. ●● Burnley Road, Bacup, was one of the areas affected by the resurfacing work being carried out in the Valley