Residents’ anger after cul-de-sac opened up
ANGRY residents have had their protests ignored as Stockport council have opened up their cul-desac to bikes and traffic.
A cycleway and footpath is being installed at the end of Swanage Avenue, in Offerton, to link to the new Bellway Homes housing estate, which is nearing completion.
The wide path is also being used illegally by vehicles and is recognised by sat navs, which send drivers that way.
Residents say some then turn round while others squeeze through the path, although a fence has been put in place to prevent this while work is completed.
It is also feared the path will be a magnet for antisocial behaviour and residents say the council did not tell them it was happening - they only found out by making enquiries themselves.
Furthermore their protests, which include a petition signed by at least one person from every house on the road, have fallen on deaf ears.
Speaking on behalf of other residents, Ann Ryan, 77, said: “It is going from bad to worse, the council are basically telling us to get lost.
“There should have been a public meeting about this but we didn’t even receive any notification, just found out by accident. Most residents are in their 70s or 80s and two are disabled. “We want a quiet, peaceful life with no trouble.
“We are already getting traffic up and down the road, there are delivery drivers every day. We’re worried about vandals.”
There was a smaller, more unofficial cut through created at the end of Swanage Avenue when the Dialstone Centre was open adjacent to the road.
Residents say this attracted plenty of antisocial behaviour.
They have raised the issue with the Stepping Hill Area Committee but despite them being told the council would look into the matter nothing has happened as a result.
Bellway Homes has nearly finished creating around 90 homes off nearby Lisburne Lane. Residents fear the problem will become worse when people move into the new houses.
Caroline Simpson, council director for place, said: “We have ordered new ‘No-Through Route’ signs which will replace the current faded ones.
“We will report the issue to the satellite navigation companies. The issue of the footpath will be discussed at the Stepping Hill Area Committee, taking into account residents’ concerns.”