TRAFFIC calming measures on Lowercroft Road in Bury are still a long way from reality after almost half of nearby residents objected.

A consultation with people living in and around the road revealed that there was a significant opposition to plans for cutting traffic speeds.

The scheme included 15 speed cushions between The Rose and Crown Pub and the entrance to Slaidurn Drive as well as textured surfacing, improved signs and new road markings.

The plan was drawn up after residents complained that fast cars posed a danger to pedestrians and those using drives and side streets.

In a three-year period from 2001, there have been nine accidents on the road, resulting in 14 casualties.

Details of the proposed measures were delivered to 466 properties, with more than 200 responding with their views.

Although 51 per cent of Lowercroft Road residents who replied said they were in favour, the rest were opposed.

Some felt the cushions would not deter many drivers from speeding, while others said they felt that the measures would cause further accidents by distracting motorists.

In the wider area, nearly 70 per cent of those responding were in favour of the scheme. Details of the consultation were announced at a meeting of Bury West area board last Wednesday.

Members were asked to decide whether they would be prepared to press on with the scheme, abandon it, or modify it with such safety measures as electronic signs and anti-skid surfacing.

The area traffic engineer, Tina Glover, said that the sizable minority against speed cushions would make the plan difficult to implement.

She said: "While we have a majority in the area supporting this, there is not the support on Lowercroft Road itself.

"We would therefore recommend that other measures are investigated."

But Lowercroft Road resident Kevin Phethean said that the scheme had to be implemented urgently for the sake of safety.

He said: "I cannot afford to let this drop, because my life is at risk every time I want to get out of my drive.

"The situation is very dangerous and I do not believe that thing like electronic signs are going to make a difference."

Church ward councillor Roy Walker said that something would have to be done soon.

He said: "We have discussed this at area board on a number of occasions and there is going to be considerable opposition to whatever you propose."

However, the area board voted to abandon the proposals and look at alternative calming measures.