Claim road link decision has been rushed

WIGAN council has been accused of rushing a decision on a contentious road link, two years after a public consultation.

Town hall officers have recommended a barrier that restricts access to the Martland Mill Business Park should be removed as it will improve road safety. The plan could get the green light today, but the leader of the council’s Conservative opposition Michael Winstanley has called for the decision to be deferred. The Orrell ward representative said residents have been left in the dark since 2016 and a further consultation should take place.

“The initial consultation was a simple question as to if the barrier should be removed. The report to the committee contains further information and residents need an opportunity to respond to this detail and the assumptions that are made,” he added. “I am extremely concerned about the way the council is approaching this and trying to push this through.”

The council has received 122 letters and two petitions objecting to the proposal and 57 letters and four petitions in favour.