Traffic in Belthorn
The traffic coming down Belthorn Road is an increasing concern for villagers so I have set up a special page on the website to record the correspondence and share updates with people. Please let me know of any news or developments so I can put them up on the website.
For Information only - please see below...
Councillor Peter Britcliffe
Sent: Monday, March 19, 2012 11:09 AM
To: Britcliffe, Peter (Cllr)
Subject: Response from County Councillor Tim Ashton
TA30/2 ED232/2/T
Dear Peter
Belthorn Traffic Issues
Thank you for your email of 6 February 2012 raising a number of traffic issues affecting Belthorn village.
I am aware that changes to M65 junction 5 implemented by the Highways Agency to prevent queues on the motorway slip roads from backing up onto the main carriageway have resulted on long queues of traffic approaching from the east forming on B6232 Grane Road.
In response to residents' concerns that some drivers have been trying to avoid these queues by driving through the village, the Public Realm Manager commissioned a survey to gain a better understanding of the numbers of drivers who may be doing this. This survey was conducted on 29 November 2011. Analysis of traffic passing through the village indicates that, during the busiest hour, 79 vehicles were recorded passing right through the village from east to west. This represents 28% of the total traffic leaving the village at the western end. The survey also indicates that traffic passing through the village in these numbers is confined to a period of about an hour in the morning.
I understand that there are also reports that this traffic is coming into conflict with those accessing the primary school in the village and there are perceived safety concerns. A survey of the queue lengths on Grane Road has also been carried out. The results of this survey have been received recently and, whilst further analysis is needed, there is evidence that queues may stretch back beyond the eastern junction of Belthorn Road and Grane Road, confirming reports.
There is no question that the queues forming on Grane Road are substantial and will be responsible for causing the delays to those drivers leaving the village during the morning peak. I understand that the Public Realm Manager contacted you to update you on the outcome of a meeting held with the Highways Agency and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council to discuss the problems at M65 Junction 5. Changes were made to the signal settings at the roundabout in the hope that they may help to improve the efficiency of the junction. The plan was to monitor the effectiveness of these changes. It is evident that changes have not reduced the delays on Grane Road, or for that matter on Haslingden Road, to an acceptable level. The Public Realm Manager has asked for a further meeting with the Highways Agency and Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council to explore further options. This meeting is due to take place in the next two weeks.
In your email you suggest that there appears to be universal agreement that the introduction of Access Only arrangements would be helpful. This suggestion was discussed at the Traffic Liaison meeting covering the Hyndburn area and the Police were clear that they would not support such a proposal due to enforcement issues with this type of restriction.
I understand that a number of these issues will be discussed at an Oswaldtwistle Area Council meeting on 6 March 2012 and I am pleased that the Public Realm Manager has offered to provide you with technical support.
I hope that this shows that all three organisations involved are striving to find a solution that is acceptable to everyone.
Yours sincerely
Cllr Tim Ashton, Cabinet Member for Highways & Transport
Dear all,
I write to provide you with an update on the ongoing traffic issues in Belthorn.
Following receipt of the questionnaires which were delivered to ever house in Belthorn asking for suggestions on how to alleviate the significant problems regarding the traffic in Belthorn, particularly in the mornings, a meeting was held last week in the school to discuss the same.
The response to the questionnaires was very positive which reflected well on how emotive an issue this is.
There was a lot of ideas and suggestions all of which were considered, some being more radical than others. All the responses were reviewed and by far the most popular suggestion was making Belthorn "Except for Access". Yellow box junctions on the exits (to allow traffic out) was also very popular as well as a suggestion of 20mph around the school.
Suggestions were also given on how to overcome the root of the problem which was clearly identified as the junction 5 roundabout of the M65. These suggestions predominantly were to remove the hatched area on the roundabout, re-configure the traffic lights and many suggested an additional lane for west bound traffic on the M65 from the Grane Road
A meeting was held at Oswaldtwistle Town Hall yesterday evening where a presentation was given. At the meeting were representatives of Blackburn with Darwen Council, The Highways Department, Lancashire County Council, and Hyndburn Councillors.
For information purposes I attach a copies of the notes of the submissions made together with the visual presentation (the latter being kindly produced by a villager).
The presentation appeared to be well received.
Representations were also given by LCC and the Highways Department and we were advised that the hatching on the Junction 5 Roundabout had been identified as an issue and we were advised that steps were in place to remove them. We were also advised that the traffic light / traffic flow was going to be investigated.
Disappointingly however we were advised that the suggestion of an "Except for Access" had already been discussed and rejected due to objections, apparently by the police. I was unhappy with this as it appeared to undermine the whole purpose of the consultation with the villagers and I expressed this in an e-mail to all the parties mentioned above. I was today contacted by the police and I am due to have a meeting with them tomorrow to discuss the situation and I will advise you of the outcome of this meeting.
I have also received e-mails from Hyndburn Council supporting the position for "Except for Access" in the village and also Cllr Julie Slater (East Rural Councillor - Blackburn with Darwen) who has advised me that she has forwarded my e-mail to Jake Berry (MP).
It was also worth noting that the head teacher of Belthorn School has attended all of the above meetings and is supporting the proposals being put forward on behalf of the village.
As I have said above, I will keep you advised of developments as and when they occur. If I have missed anybody off this e-mail, or you are aware of villagers who are not on the e-mail distribution list, please feel free to advise them of the position.
If you wish to update me or put forward any further suggestions please can you reply to me only (rather than Reply All).
Regards
Jason Slack
Chair, Belthorn Village Committee 7th March 2012
Hi Jason,
All the Representatives of Belthorn agree with the "Access Only" signs as we feel they would be a deterrent to some traffic. However you realise how difficult it is to persuade the Authorities that this would be the case. Nevertheless we will continue to try and persuade them that they would help ease the situation.
I have copied this email to Tim Ashton the Cabinet member at County Hall and am hoping he will be able to influence this matter.
Best Wishes
Peter
Councillor Peter Britcliffe
Conservative Leader
Hyndburn Borough Council
01254 380165, 7th March 2012
Here are the address details of the meeting on Tuesday 6th March 2012 at 7.30 pm at Civic Theatre, Town Hall, 157 Union Road, Oswaldtwistle, BB5 3HZ.
I believe the Belthorn Traffic issue is to be the first thing on the agenda and an hour has been set aside for this issue at the forthcoming meeting.
We need as many villagers to attend as possible, to give power to our complaint.
Jean Bain, 29th February 2012
Thank you Peter, very much appreciated.
Regards
Hazel Baxter 16th February 2012
Hi All,
Please do contact Emma Cruce at the Telegraph to highlight this dreadful situation.
For my part I am issuing the Press Release below -
COUNTY COUNCILLOR ISSUES A CALL FOR COUNCILS TO GET TOGETHER TO SOLVE HIGHWAY ISSUES AT BELTHORN
Peter Britcliffe has urged Blackburn and Darwen and LCC. to get together to solve the traffic issues. He said, "One of the major problems we have in this area is the problems are caused by road networks situated in both authorities. For instance the traffic lights at the M65 roundabout are in Blackburn whilst the Grane Rd is in Lancashire. I urge Blackburn to send a representative to the Oswaldtwistle Area Council Meeting on March 6th when Lancashire Officers will be present to hear the horrendous problems the villagers have. The time has come for action and some resolution brought regarding these issues. It will be too late when a child is killed."
Councillor Peter Britcliffe
Conservative Leader
Hyndburn Borough Council
01254 380165, 15th February 2012
Hi Everyone
I have been contacted by Emma Cruce from the Lancashire Telegraph regarding the traffic issue in Belthorn. I emailed her in response to an article she wrote about the traffic situation at Junction 7 on the M65, and I suggested that she could do a report on the Belthorn situation. Currently I am not affected by the traffic situation, but no doubt I will be in the not too distant future. Emma has asked me for an overview of the situation, but I feel I do not qualify to give this overview, and feel it should come from someone who is more directly affected by the traffic in the mornings.
Emma details are further down this email, should anyone wish to contact her.
Kind regards
Jean Bain
Rydal Mount, Belthorn, 15th February 2012
Hi Gwen - Jason has posted out a questionnaire to all the villagers regarding the traffic issues, this is being followed up by a village meeting at the school on Wednesday 29th February at 7 pm. We need a good response to the questionnaire as we will be presenting the results of this to the Council Ward meeting on Tuesday 6th March at 7 pm the Civic Hall in Oswaldtwistle.
Kind regards Jean Bain, 14th February 2012
Regarding traffic, I now leave for work at 7.20 because once it gets past 7.45 the road is usually unuseable. All bins should be left out right on the edge of the pavement.
Sam Blurton, St James Street, Belthorn, 11th February 2012
Dear All
Having spoken to a Blackburn with Darwen Highways Officer this morning, I have been informed the whites lines on Grane road and will be repainted shortly.
The lights which also need repair are also on the list to be repaired shortly. Plus Blackburn with Darwen Highways Department have a meeting with LCC and the Highways Agency on the 28th Feb.
to discuss the solutions both temporary and permanent to every bodies concerns. I do appreciate that it is a pressing issue and this has been stressed with our officers.
I was also informed today, " It seems that it was a problem from the time the lights were installed and our initial response has clearly not been effective. It has been made more difficult as the situation in the village deteriorated and the response from LCC was that it was BWD problem. As we know the majority of the village is not within BWD but part is, and the solution will only happen if all parties properly discuss the matter. The fact it is a motorway junction further complicates this". I have been promised a response after this meeting and will inform you all accordingly.
Kindest Regards, Julie
Councillor Julie Slater, 8th February 2012
Conservative Member Representing East Rural Ward
Shadow Spokesperson For Children's Services
Vice Chair Corporate Parenting Committee
Chair East Rural Network
Chair East Rural Ward Solutions
Tel: 01254 703069 Mobile:07798 742030
When I first moved to Belthorn, I laughed about the various local authority boundaries which divide the village and wondered why the Boundary Commission or whoever is responsible, had drawn the boundaries in such a stupid place. But apart from the dispute about the proliferation of village signeage from the various councils involved who seemed unable to co-ordinate signs with each other, I had thought that it didn't really matter. Now I realise that it does matter because it provides the perfect excuse for everyone to pass on responsibility to someone else. Having said that, I am grateful for the input of our local councillors. May your efforts bear fruit.
Gwen Crawford, Belthorn Road, 7th February 2012
For your info. The PC to contact re traffic in Belthorn
Peter, 7th February 2012
Councillor Peter Britcliffe
Conservative Leader
Hyndburn Borough Council
01254 380165
Peter I have looked into the boundaries regarding Belthorn and although we do cover up to Grane Road, this is the extent of our involvement. I have spoken to and forwarded on your email the CBM covering Belthorn who is fully aware of the problem and is attempting to sort things out. His name is PC 753 Alan Hurst and he is based at Darwen Police Station. Hope this helps, Lou
PC 452 Louise Jacks
Hi Peter,
With respect to the white lining at the bottom end of GraneRd (Haslingden Rd at this point), I have previously spoken to Cllr Marlene Howarth and confirmed that this section of road is under the jurisdiction of Blackburn with Darwen. We have reported the issue to B with Darwen.
Regards
Colin Bowman
Principal Engineer
Environmental Services East
Lancashire County Council
0845 053 0011 01254 770960
Cllr Britcliffe,
Lancashire County Council are not responsible for any of the street lights on Grane Road.
I think it is Blackburn with Darwen Council.
Thank you.
Nigel Lodge
Peter Britcliffe gave a valid point at last night's village meeting regarding another cause for the increased traffic problem in Belthorn. Haslingden Old Road which runs parallel to Elton/Grane Road, currently has 2 or 3 sets of traffic lights which are directly connected to the windfarm development as certain road works have to be carried out to connect the windfarm to the grid. What a pity there wasn't more support when we were trying to fight the windfarm as was shown to the traffic issue at this evening village meeting, maybe the traffic issue wouldnt have as bad had the planning not been approved as this as well as the traffic lights at the J5 roundabout is contributing to the traffic situation. On another note, I hope that the village committee can rely on more village support for planned village events in the future. We need more volunteers to either join or support village committee in upcoming events such as a possible village party in connection with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
Kind regards Jean Bain, Belthorn, 7th February 2012
Emma Cruse from the Lancashire Telegraph is interested in speaking to anyone in the village regarding the current traffic issues. The traffic doesnt affect me directly at present, but no doubt will sometime in the future. I feel it would be more applicable for someone who is directly affected to make this contact for this reason. Kind regards,
Jean Bain, Belthorn, 7th February 2012
To Nigel Lodge at LCC -
Hi,
- Please can the lines at the bottom of the Grane Rd be repainted.They are non existent.
- There are a number of lights not working on the Grane Rd in this area.
- I have been asked for the speed/traffic counts for Belthorn Rd
- We need to be able to put Computer Photos on a screen at the 6/3/12 Area Committee Meeting.
- Residents are anxious to learn at that meeting what proposals there are both temporary and permanent to ease the problems
- Safety is a huge concern and residents would like their to be someone who deals with these issues at the meeting.
Residents will meet and decide their priorities before the meeting and have asked that they be addressed.
There appeared to be universal agreement that Access Only would be helpful.
I cannot stress how important this is to the life of the Village. The problem is not easy. Questions have been rightly asked and the time has now come for the Answers.
Kind Regards, Peter
Councillor Peter Britcliffe
Conservative Leader
Hyndburn Borough Council
01254 380165
6th February 2012
This morning was disgraceful on Elton Rd. The same happened to me (black car) overtook on the left hand pavement just so he could beat the traffic that was queuing. Best part was I had no difficulty getting out of the village and traffic was moving reasonably well, this idiot could cause a fatality if he is not stopped soon. Also if others see him doing it and getting away with it, there are always more idiots who will follow like sheep and possibly create a major accident...
Kind Regards, Hazel, 6th February 2012
Yes, it is at 8pm at the Pack Horse.
Jean Bain, 4th February 2012
I think all parents coming in at the top of the village would be a good idea if it causes congestion from the top or it might stop the rat runners from driving on the pavements to bypass the traffic coming up the village but I dont know how we would organise it? Would we have to ask the school to ask all parents to do it or give out flyers after school?
On a seperate issue is there a committee meeting on Monday? if so can it be dedicated to the traffic issue as Kim suggested? If not I really feel we need some kind of action group meeting.
Kathryn, 4th February 2012
What are the thoughts on suggesting to all parents dropping off kids at school that they come into the village from the top entrance. That way the parents create traffic at the top & it may put off the drivers diverting through the village from Grane Road. It would mean all parents helping out but it should be a straight run out of the village down the hill. Thoughts?
Joanne, 4th February 2012
Thank you all for keeping me in touch with the situation. This is a dreadful situation and I am urging LCC to come forward with some solutions. Whilst a permanent solution is needed I wondered what temporary measures would help. I will forward any suggestions to LCC.
Best Wishes
Peter 4th January 2012
Hope you are not all snowed up
Councillor Peter Britcliffe
Conservative Leader
Hyndburn Borough Council
01254 380165
The Telegraph will do a story as I rang them the other day. Our next village meeting should be about the traffic...as you say, the 6th March is too late.
Kim, 4th February 2012
This week has been an horrendous week for the traffic. I have been late for work 3 times (Tues, Wed & Thurs) leaving home at 8.10 and arriving at Shadsworth Junior School at 8.55........I start at 8.30!!!!!
The worst thing I did see is a black volvo estate becoming so frustrated at their wait (welcome to our world) driving down the pavement, yes pavement, and coming off at the bus shelter on Elton Road!!!
I rang every morning to LCC Highways, one morning I got a lovely lady called Diane who took details and said she would pass the info on, the other mornings I got unhelpful call centre operators who said it was not a problem 'just traffic volume' and queries should be sent via letter. I told her it is a case of no-one accepting responsibility!! Is the meeting of the village committee on Monday going to approach what measures we can take to ensure a better and safer passage through the village? If it is I'll be there I'm sure we'll all stand united on this one.
Lots of Love
Kim, 4th February 2012
xx
And us,
Joanne, 4th February 2012
I would agree also.
Sue Hopkinson, 4th February 2012
I agree Kathryn-when and where? Count us in...
Donna Simpson, 4th February 2012
Maybe we need to get together to start a proper campaign with petitions, posters in our house windows etc and contact the telegraph to see if they will offer us any publicity or support?? I think if we barricade the top of the village with our cars etc we will actually be breaking the law by causing an obstruction!! as tempting as it is??!! is there any complaints procedure we can follow against the highways authority for taking so long to protect our children?? or a complaints procedure against/to the police department?? there must be steps we can take?? I think we need to arrange a meeting as villagers and come up with a proper organised campaign and wondered if anybody is interested in joining together in this??
Kathryn, 4th February 2012
I left for work at 8 am for what used to be a 15min journey, I arrived at 9.05. People on the grane Road will not let us out because they think we are taking a short cut, they purposely ignore us and pretend they haven't seen us. I feel like putting a sign in my car window saying I AM A VILLAGER.
Regards Hazel Baxter, 3rd February 2012
Hi everyone - please find below a copy of a letter I have sent to Andrew Coombe at LCC, apologies if you have already received a copy - having email issues!
Thanks Lynne
Hello Andrew,
I met you back in October 2011 when you came to Belthorn to meet with a few residents about the traffic in Belthorn. As i'm sure you're aware the problem has got much worse, this week especially and today - well, horrendous. I attach photos highlighting the queues and the pavements being used as roads.
Can you update me as to what is being done about the problem?
The village residents are really getting annoyed and are talking about taking matters in hand themselves. If there was an emergency in the village between 7.30 - 9.30am no ambulance or fire engine would get up or back out of the village.
We really need to have a residents' meeting in the village to discuss the problem.There is supposedly a meeting in Oswaldtwistle on the 6th March which I feel is not great as people would find it difficult to attend, due to baby sitters, non drivers etc. We really need a meeting here in the village.
From talking to others I think we collectively still maintain a 'no access - except for buses' at the top of the village would address the safety issue of the rat run. This has to be a low cost and absolute priority - at least while the real problem of Junction 5 is addressed.
Alternatively an 'access only' sign would perhaps deter the majority of people who are using the village as a short cut. I think the excuse of not being able to police this is a little feeble as it would not require intensive policing, most people still obey the law and after only a couple of drivers are caught and dealt with, the word would soon get around. Another area this seems to work for is Knowlsey Rd, Wilpshire - this has proved a successful scheme.
The road widening from junction 5 (creating a turn left lane onto M65 west) as far up the B6232 as possible, creating an extra lane would help stop the problem.
At the very least the traffic signals need to be altered - per round of sign as you are lucky if you get more than 2 cars off the Grain Road and on to the roundabout.
Incidentally, the white hatching marks on the roundabout do not help, if you are attempting to turn left onto M65 West slip road - you struggle to get onto the roundabout as no cars look like they are turning right (towards Blackburn). Due to the hatchings all cars coming around the roundabout are in the outer lane.
At the moment people going to work from the village are being extremely late. It has taken my daughter 40 minutes to just get out of the village (leaving at 8am, after then it has backed up past the school). Parents from outside the village are struggling to drop their children at school and then are late for work, already there is talk of children changing schools owing to this situation. Buses are being severely delayed - children who catch buses to secondary schools/college/university are consistently yet unpredictably late, this is a major concern with exams approaching.
Bottom line is that Belthorn village cannot cope with a-road traffic, it just is not designed to do so. The children are at risk more than ever now. It is either so congested the pavements are being used as roads (see photos), or cars are flying down attempting to beat traffic on the Grane Road. A serious accident will happen, it is only a matter of time, and we have had 6 months of that already.
We the villagers understand why people use us as a rat run, indeed, they are not breaking any laws, but surely the safety of our children should be of prime concern. Please help us sort this situation out.
Kind Regards
Lynne Smyth
I think the access only definitely keeps our village safer and it could be policed by the volunteers discussed earlier, my concerns are the length of time this is taking and how childrens lives are being endangered in between this time.
A meeting on 6th March is far too late action needs to be taken now!! or are the council waiting for a fatality before they are actually going to do anything???
Can we not involve the police by submitting some of the photographs to them? do they not have a duty to take some action to protect our children and penalise the motorists who drive down our pavements??
Kathryn, 2nd February 2012
Hi again
When I left home to go up the road to leave the village at the top, every car from the school down to the Dog Inn was on the pavement!
And yes, many of us are getting to work late as well as children being late for school - how long are our bosses going to tolerate this I wonder?
I did think things would get better once the road works on the Grane Rd had vanished but it's actually got worse!
There's a lot of "road rage" going on out there too!
If it was access only with a 20mph limit .... but how could you monitor it?
Kind Regards
Collette Riding, 2nd February 2012
Something needs to be done before a child is killed !! This morning the queue was back up to the school again and at one point there were six cars on the pavement!!!
Radical action needs to be taken in the very near future ! if the council are not going to do anything to protect our children we need to do something ourselves !! Any suggestions?? Does anybody have a spare tractor we can park at the top ????
Kathryn, 2nd February 2012
I can sympathise. I left home at 8.45 this morning but didn't join our junction on the m65 until 9.15! Kids being late for school is terrible but plenty of adults must be being late for work too.
Joanne Gallacher, 2nd February 2012
I left home at 8am this morning to drop my son at the railway station to get the 8.35 train to preston to get him to UCLAN, we arrived at the station at 8.50, needless to say the train long gone. We could do with a couple of hay bales 'falling off the back of a tractor' at the chicane for a couple mornings with a 'road ahead blocked' sign.
As mentioned with the double parking and width of vehicles the will be an accident at some point. There is now the added frustration in that the traffic that stayed on the grane road and queued are reluctant to let cars out when they eventually get to the bottom..
Regards
Sue Hopkinson, 2nd February 2012
Colette that is terrible! Maybe we should start barricading the top of the village to stop vehicles coming through at all! Only then will the council sit up and listen!
I have to say the school traffic is adding to the problem with parents double parking ; at the school I work at we use traffic cones to stop parents parking on the zigzags. Maybe Belthorn school could do the same? The walking bus certainly helped ease congestion at school at dropping off time. Again, we use this at our school which has helped a lot.
None of these things will stop the traffic using the Grane as a link between motorways though!
Donna Simpson, 2nd February 2012
To Oliver Starkie at LCC -
Please can I once again draw your attention the problem of traffic disruption at Belthorn which is now causing children to be late for school.
Thank you also for agreeing to attend the Area Council Meeting on March 6th.
Kind Regards
Peter
Councillor Peter Britcliffe
Conservative Leader
Hyndburn Borough Council
01254 380165
Hi everyone
Just to let you know that Rhyddings School contacted me today to say my daughter was yet again late for school this morning. When I rang back, the first question I was asked was does she catch the Belthorn bus to which I replied yes. They are putting a complaint into LCC as they are well aware of the traffic problem causing the bus to be late getting the children to school. Presently they have a list of I think 24 names that have children known to be late due to the traffic problem and would welcome any more to help put their views forward. They know it's not LCC's problem but maybe they could help in some way? I know Rhyddings isn't the only school that is being affected as will be the colleges / university. I've not heard of anyone missing exams yet but as the time approaches for major and important exams to be taken, this is yet another reason that something needs to be done to alleviate the now hour long journey throught the village which should take just five minutes. Would it be worth other parents contacting their child's school etc too? This morning was particularly bad in both directions on Belthorn Road as many of the vehicles were wide vans some with trailors carrying diggers etc yet again cutting through thew village as the Grane Road was backed up passed top entrance to Belthorn Road. The low sun is also making it extra treacherous - there WILL be an accident if nothing is done!!
Kind Regards
Collette Riding
Hello Emma
I read your article about the bid to improve 'worst junction', in the Lancashire Telegraph today. We are having similar problems with Belthorn being used as a rat run by inconsiderate drivers trying to queue jump from Elton/Grane Rd to junction 5 of the M65. This is becoming a serious issue which is becoming dangerous particularly to the children attending Belthorn School.
We have to await a meeting of a local area council to find out what the local councils and LCC intend to do about the increasing risk.
Perhaps you might like to report on this issue too.
Regards
Jean Bain
Belthorn Resident
Took me 35 mins to get out of the village this morning due to the "Rat Run". Yes, I was late for work what should have taken 25 mins took an hour. It is getting worse, "WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING". The "Access Only" & "20 MPH" seem like good solutions to me.
Barbara Heffernan, Belthorn Road, Belthorn, 31st January 2012
As a daily user of Grane Road the problem with traffic is the following. The roundabout at the bottom of Grane Road / M65 has had its capacity halved with the inclusion of white hatchings. Previously, where traffic formed two lanes at the northern end of Grane Road, it is now forced to form one lane. Traffic circulating around the roundabout is forced into the left hand lane only which disrupts the flow of traffic onto the roundabout. This impacts all the entry and exit roads onto the roundabout. A solution would be to remove the hatchings from the roundabout allowing free flow. Re-design the slip road exists to two lanes (inside lane for left turners, right hand lane for right turners). This would alleviate the traffic onto the roundabout stopping folk using your village as a short cut. Hope this helps. Please contact me if you need any further information. Thanks.
Dennis Heywood, Norden, Rochdale, 31st January 2012
Hi Gwen
I'm having to leave for work earlier & earlier every week. Sometimes the queue is only up to the field with the box in it BUT there have been a good few days recently where the queue stretches well past the Dog. It took me 35 mins to get from the Shed to the Grane this morning. Once on the Grane the traffic was moving OK down to the roundabout.
I've lived in the village for 27 years & have never known anything like this. I appreciate that the school adds to it BUT this IS NOT down to the school traffic, it's the inconsiderate "RAT RUNNERS". I have read the news on the "Web Site" but nothing seems to have happened since November & it is much worse than it was then. I'm all for the "Access Only".
Let me know who else I can contact to help with this - link to Peter Britcliffe & Community Police not working.
Personally I would slap a tractor across the top of the road but don't suppose that would be fair to the innocent bus passengers.
I never get road rage but this morning I was steaming.
Hope to hear from you soon
Best Regards
Barbara Heffernan 31st January 2012
You are absolutely right Katherine -we are on Kendal Row and if you leave for work later than 7.30 traffic is often queued up to our house! I think the traffic in the village is the first priority however but how you stop the Grane being so heavily used is certainly beyond me!
Donna Simpson, 27th January 2012
I don't know whether it helps, or you're already aware of, but apparently Blackburn (who I assume are responsible for the downhill, problem, side of the road) have a form called Traffic Improvement Application and process for identifying problems. Let me know if it is of interest or you need further details.
Tony Edwards, January 26th 2012
Its a 7.30 start folks as room not available at 7.
Kind Regards, Peter
PS There is also parking by the Methodist Church.
Councillor Peter Britcliffe 26th January 2012
Conservative Leader
Hyndburn Borough Council
01254 380165
I have been thinking of the suggestions made for making the top entrance to the village no entry, and I can see that this should overall improve the problems in the village but the Grane road is going to be hectic . Would the problem not just be being moved somewhere else? ( all beit a better situation as it would be away from the school ) Should we not be asking LCC Highway and the council to also be finding solutions for the root cause of the problem which is the congestion on the m65 junction?
Just wondered what everyones thoughts are on this.
Kathryn, 25th January 2012
For all intending to be at the Area Council meeting on 6 March to hear discussion and receive update on traffic issue, the venue is
Oswaldtwistle Civic Centre with a start time of 7.00 pm. There is a small car park behind the centre and on-street parking around.
Regards,
Marianne Davies
Belthorn Village Committee, 25th January 2012
March 6th should be good because the traffic is always worse on a tuesday/ wednesdays ( dont know why but, hey ho). Just hope its not school hols.
Kind regards
Hazel Baxter 24th January 2012
I have had confirmation that LCC Highways will be at the Area Council on March 6th.
They also say they are working on proposals to allevate this problem. I hope you find this helpful.
Peter
Councillor Peter Britcliffe 24th January 2012
Conservative Leader
Hyndburn Borough Council
01254 380165
Dear All
Following a meeting with the Chair and Vice Chair, the following Area Council meeting dates have been set:-
Tuesday 6 March 2012
Tuesday 3 July 2012
Tuesday 6 November 2012
It was also agreed that a business meeting will take place during the cycle of meetings where issues can be discussed and where a pre meeting prior to the Area Council public meeting will be set.
Once the dates for the business meetings have been set I will email them to you.
Regards, Ann
Ann Roberts 23rd January 2012
Area Working Co-ordinator
Hyndburn Borough Council
Scaitcliffe House
Ormerod Street
Accrington BB5 0PF
Tel: 01254 380679
Please accept my apologies for not responding more quickly to a spate of e mails,but I have had technical problems with my computer.
I really believe progress is being made with these issues but as with all traffic problems thay are never resolved overnight.
The Area Council is to meet on March 6th and I have invited Oliver Starkey qnd Andrew Coombes to come alon on March 6th to Ossy Civic as there will be a County Council Slot on the agenda.
I do hope residents will come along to this meeting and put some of their ideas forward.
Kind Regards
Peter
Councillor Peter Britcliffe
Conservative Leader
Hyndburn Borough Council
01254 380165 21st January 2012
With regard to closing off top of village or making it exit route. Another comment that has just been made to me - How do any of us who live 'up' the hill manage in bad or snowy weather, at moment we can get out and in. If we have to enter village from bottom we can get out but not back up/in. We would have to leave cars at bottom and walk...... with kids, with shopping etc..........Pat
Patricia Wardle, 19th January 2012
Hello Kim
My name is Andrew Coombe and I am principal officer for traffic and development with LCC covering Hyndburn. We are well aware of the issues that are ongoing at Belthorn and I have met with local residents on a couple of occasions to see the extent of the problem. AS part of ongoing work to try and address the issues created by the traffic lights a meeting was held recently between LCC / The Highways agency (who are responsible for the motorway and who put the lights in) and Blackburn Council. I understand that a number of solutions have been looked at and are being considered but think that the lights will not be moving anytime soon as they have solved the problem that they were put in for – traffic queuing on the M65 at junction 5. As LCC we have looked at a number of potential options to try and make the route through Belthorn less attractive for people trying to avoid queues on Grane Road. These include changing the priority of the chicane at the bottom of the village or potentially putting in a school crossing patrol but in reality these would all really just be bits that we could not guarantee would make a difference. One solution would be to restrict access at the top of the village but not sure how this would be received by local residents who would have to drive round and how it could be enforced. Sorry that I can't offer you a definite solution but please be assured that we are looking at a number of options and not ignoring the problem. Andrew
Andrew Coombe
Principal Officer
Traffic and Development (Hyndburn & Rossendale)
Lancashire County Council
Tel. 01254 770965 19th January 2012
Dear Peter,
Obviously we are a very concerned group of villagers who have tried, politely, to bring this to your attention to no avail.
I would be grateful to understand that if it not in your gift / remit to table this as a significant road risk to the correct authorities that you please email me by return who I can address my concerns to directly.
Regards
Louisa Walton 19th January 2012
Dear Mr Britcliffe
I am wondering if there has been any progress made with regards to reducing the traffic through belthorn.
I feel that things are not improving and are in fact worsening. The traffic today tailbacked 0.8 miles through the village and cars were monuting the pavement near to the school. One motorists attemted to bully a parent with three small children off the pavement, near to the school.
I feel if nothing is done, it is only a matter of time before a child is seriously hurt.
I would be grateful if you could update us with any progress that has been made. I have attached two photos showing the tailback, I also have video footage which I will send to you, but I have not attached due to technical dificulties.
I look forward to your response
Many Thanks Kathryn Sharpe, 19th January 2012
Hello Councillor Britcliffe - and thanks for your support on this
traffic issue. Reading the suggestions of LCC's Andrew Coombe, I
have the following comments to make:
Changes to the M65 traffic light sequence, "Access Only" from the top of the village and a 20 mph speed limit through the village seem very sensible proposals which could bring positive results. A manual survey is also a good suggestion and could produce some interesting results - always assuming that those doing a 'rat run' through the village are truthful when approached.
Other suggestions will, in my opinion, have less impact i.e. changing the flow of traffic at the bottom of the village chicane; and undertaking further discussions with the school - although there is now a new headmaster in place who may wish to help with the on-going parent/traffic issue.
The next village committee meeting is on Monday 7 November at the usual time of 8.00 pm with a PACT meeting taking place at 7.30 pm in the Dog Inn when the issue will be next discussed and as usual, all villagers are invited to attend both meetings.
Regards
Marianne Davies
Belthorn Village Committee
Hi everyone -
See below for the feedback from the site visit and I will be making one with Andrew another morning when all the surrounding schools are in session.
I think this is a good start and I will put my weight behind it. I am meeting with the top man at Highways Tim Ashton on Thursday to discuss these issues.
If you have any comments I will post them on to him. Thank you all for your support on this issue.
Peter
Councillor Peter Britcliffe
Conservative Leader
Hyndburn Borough Council
01254 380165
From: Coombe, Andrew [Andrew.Coombe@lancashire.gov.uk]
Sent: 01 November 2011 16:52
To: Peter Britcliffe
Cc: Starkey, Oliver
Subject: RE:
Hello Peter
The feedback from the meeting is as follows: There are 2 distinct elements to the issues around traffic in Belthorn – traffic rat running to avoid queues on Grane Road and parents dropping children off at school.
- LCC to carry out a manual survey to support previous automatic traffic counts to investigate when vehicles are coming off the Grane Road if they are going straight through the village / how many residents are getting caught in the traffic and how long vehicles are taking to get out of the village.
- Look at potential to reverse the flow on the chicane at the bottom of the village· Investigate whether it may be appropriate to put a school crossing patrol on site (not sure on the LCC position with regard to this as the school is an Academy)
- Identify how we can work with the school to get appropriate messages across to parents
- Investigate if any changes can be made to traffic lights on M65 junction 5 r/about
- With support of yourself put Belthorn forward as 20mph area
- Discuss with police potential to make top of village access only or no entry (except buses)
I will keep you and my contacts informed of anything that happens as we seek solutions to this problem. Andrew Coombe
This is a good page to have. Could I point out that individuals need to contact Peter Britcliffe regarding the traffic issue, rather than people as a group, as a petition is classed as only one vote despite the number of people who sign it. So come on Belthorners support this issue on a one by one basis. Sadly I sometimes feel that a lot of the villagers are very lethargic when it comes to doing anything about issues in the village, tending to leave it to the same few to do anything about it. If anyone is offended by this comment then my apologies as no offense is intended, it is just an observation. Regards,
Jean Bain, Rydal Mount, Belthorn, October 2010
I'd agree with the proposal below for Access Only signs at the top and bottom of the village. I appreciate that diversions through the village may be necessary in the event of an accident on Grane Road, but that should really be the exception - drivers shouldn't routinely be using the village as a shortcut. Many thanks to the Village Committee and our local councillors for their efforts on this - good luck and I hope it bears fruit!
Gwen Crawford, Belthorn Road, Belthorn - October 2011
Hi Gwen - website is looking great and pleased that comments re 20mph limit through the village are filtering through. Personally I'd also like to lobby for "Access Only" signs at the top and bottom of the village. I'm sure it would deter some, if not all, drivers from using the village as a 'rat run' at peak periods. The village committee would also welcome comments on "Access Only" proposal which was considered at the last (October 3rd) committee meeting.
Regards
Marianne Davies
Belthorn Village Committee - October 2011
Thank you all for your responses which I have forwarded to County Hall. I have also had a very good meeting with Cabinet Member Tim Ashton today which has left me feeling very optimistic.
Best Wishes to All
Councillor Peter Britcliffe - October 2011
Conservative Leader
Hyndburn Borough Council
01254 380165
To all
You have to address the problem at source. There are always going to be people jumping in. Save for putting a barricade where people have a swipe card and security to gain access ( as where I currently live!). What is the issue 'The Grain Road' - 'Access to the motorway' / access to the two industrial parks, / access to the hospital/ access to the town centre. It needs a relief road to the motorway (two lanes going down to the roundabout).The motorway also needs an additional off ramp onto the industrial estate to the right (I have heard that this is difficult due to the nature reserve present in this area but since this motorway was built (poor planning) there has been a dramatic escalation in the amount of traffic in this area.
Note:- Guide is much more of a death trap than the relatively secluded Belthorn although I totally agree with residents views on race track/rat run (I only wish that the people from outside the village bringing their children into it would also show consideration (maybe being late due to traffic causes detention etc..) As a real broadsider there used to be (still is?) a school bus (people walking to school). Why not walk up the middle of the road at 8.45 every morning (vary time). People living in the village know to set off 10 minutes earlier. To ensure safety (one person (kamikaze) walk 50m in from waving yellow/red flag!) Note:- I as anybody who knows we I am totally not into using the kids as tools, but this should be set-up as totally safe and within 1 week the back log on Belthorn road would soon stop people taking a short cut! it may be need to repeated 1 once per week/every 2 weeks just to prove a point.
Regards Jason Almond - October 2011
I agree, it is time the risk was managed.
John & Jean Tower View. - October 2011
Peter,
I totally concur with the comments. It's a problem that is worsening! Rat runners take no notice of the occasional Police presence in the village. They have a total disregard to public safety when it comes to jumping that ever lengthening queue on Elton Road!!
Regards
John Boardman - October 2011
Hi Peter,
I can only agree here, it is only a matter of time that a very serious accident, the risk of which could be dramatically reduced, will occur.
I urge you to please give this your immediate attention.
Regards
Graham Chillingworth - October 2011
Dear Peter,
Quite a timely note from you as I was going to contact you again with regards to the Shortcutting that is still going on. From 7.30 this morning Belthorn road was like a rally with not just a constant steam of cars that were avoiding the queues on Grane Road but also the speed at which they travel down is most definitely not within the speed limit.
As I mentioned on my previous note to you, there are a number of school children who catch their bus just outside of the Dog Inn and I am worried as they dash across the road to the shelter the traffic.
Is anything being done to make the road access only? It can't be that difficult putting up 2 signs can it ?
Best regards
L. Walton
Belthorn Road - October 2011
Dear Residents -
Please keep emailing me with your support for a 20mph zone.I forward them all to County Hall where I can assure you they are being noticed.
Hi Jason,
Along with Councillor Marlene Haworth I have arranged to meet with an officer from LCC to look at the problem outside
the school at drop off time.
I hope this will prove productive.Kind Regards
Councillor Peter Britcliffe - October 2011
PS Don't forget to ask people to ring Hyndburn Council on 388111 to order their grit bags.
PPS Really pleased we were able to find grants of £100 each towards the Childrens Party and the Old Folks Party
