Work Begins at Accident Blackspot

Morley Borough Independent Councillors have welcomed the start of a road safety work programme at Gildersome Roundabout, the worst accident blackspot across the Leeds City Council area. The location, which topped the Councils own accident related sites of concern for the last five years, will see the introduction of traffic lights at all its junctions.   Councillor Robert Finnigan said “We have been campaigning for several years for this work to be undertaken and we are delighted that the road safety programme has at last commenced.”

The multi-million pound scheme will start with the relocation of a gas main and other services with work already being undertaken at the lower roundabout in Kirklees. Work on the top roundabout will commence in March with a concluding date proposed for June.

Councillor Tom Leadley said “This scheme has been a long time coming but the signalisation of all junctions will mean that the number of accidents at the roundabout will reduce. This makes it safer for Drighlington and Gildersome residents and safer for all motorists using the roundabout.”

Delays to the start of the programme followed discovery of a major gas main under the roundabout along with the remains of a petrol station buried beneath the roundabout when it was first built.

Councillor Bob Gettings, a Gildersome resident said, “I am pleased that at long last residents will get the safety programme they deserve. Both Gildersome and Drighlington Parish Councils have supported this campaign and we are also grateful for the support we have received from local residents.”