Road safety campaign steps up a gear

Calder Valley MP Craig Whittaker meets with Cornholme road safety campaigners

That is the message to Calderdale Council from road safety campaigners in the village, who are fighting for pedestrian crossings and the possible introduction of a 20mph zone on the busy stretch of Burnley Road.

They will have a chance to make their voices heard at the Cornholme Safety Summit held by the council later in the month, following the decision to exclude Cornholme and Portsmouth when 20mph zones were introduced across Todmorden.

Calder Valley MP Craig Whittaker said: “I received assurances from the Council that Cornholme and Portsmouth would be included within the 20mph zone.

“I was extremely disappointed to learn a few weeks ago that these areas were excluded when the 20mph zones were introduced across the Todmorden area. The council have badly let down the local residents and to say that both the residents, and myself, are angry about this situation is an understatement.

“Local residents have been highlighting these issues for a long time and the fact that the council excluded this area from the 20mph zone despite the pleas of local residents is absolutely shocking.

“It would appear that the Council have finally realised that they have made a mistake and following my meeting with residents to discuss this issue, they have arranged for a local meeting to discuss road safety concerns. I would encourage all local people to attend the meeting and to ensure that the council finally take the views of local residents on board.”

Councillor Susan Press (Lab, Todmorden) added: “I am glad to hear that Cornholme residents will now be able to discuss directly with Calderdale officers the issues which concern them and which they have raised with me. These include the need for pedestrian crossings and possible introduction of a 20mph zone on this busy stretch of the Burnley Road. We have been lobbying for a long time and it is time something was done to curb the risk of accidents and fatalities.”

The meeting will be held at the Old Library in Cornholme from 11am until 1pm on Saturday, November 28.