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Residents win rat-run fight

1/ 5/2008

A 20MPH speed limit is to be imposed in Blackley after a traffic diversion caused chaos.

More than 100 residents signed a petition calling for action after transport bosses closed Charlestown Road and diverted traffic – and Blackley MP branded the detour dangerous.

Now Manchester City Council have agreed – that from May 9 – motorists travelling along nearby Grange Park Road must not exceed 20mph.

Mr Stringer hailed the decision as a partial victory for campaigners.

He said: "Local residents have been very concerned about the damage caused by extra traffic and this is a partial victory for them.

"It is also the case that if they can prove their property has been damaged by the extra traffic they can apply to United Utilities for compensation."

Scores of residents claimed their safety was being put at risk when maintenence work carried out by United Utilities resulted in excess traffic using a diversion along Booth Hall Road and Grange Park Road. They also feared that the heavy congestion could cause health problems and even structural damage to their properties.

But after being contacted by Mr Stringer – Chris Barber, Manchester City Council’s Head of Engineering, said that the work would now finish one month ahead of schedule and that if residents can prove their property has been damaged by extra traffic they can apply for compensation.

In the letter, Mr Barber said: "For a claim for compensation to be successful proof would be needed that any damage caused, would have been as a result of the increased traffic. This may be difficult to prove, but should individuals wish to pursue this course of action, they should seek the advice of a structural surveyor."