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Rat run 'lunatics' put lives at risk

From the archive, first published Monday 3rd Jul 2006.

A DOCTOR says that only good fortune has averted a tragedy on a 'rat run' used by reckless drivers.

Dr Stephen Cullen works at the Bridge Street Surgery in Earlestown.

The medical practitioner says 'lunatics' are tearing down Fairclough Street, which leads from the junction of Bridge Street and Cross Lane down to Earlestown Railway Station, at a 'rate of knots.'

He said: "I park my car in the local car park and walk up to the top of Fairclough Street to the surgery.

"I have witnessed multiple near misses, mainly with the elderly, but some mothers with prams have nearly been mown down by the lunatics that drive down this road."

Dr Cullen thinks the problem is made worse because vehicles accelerate automatically as they come off the brow of the hill.

He says St Helens Council has slightly extended the road markings to slow down the traffic but these measures are being ignored.

He has asked for road humps or road calming material but has been told by the police that bus operators would complain about injuries to their drivers.

The doctor said: "I feel that despite my protestations the council or police will not take action - unless there is a fatality.

"I believe it has only been by good fortune that nobody has been seriously injured."

Dr Cullen believes the ideal solution would be a pelican crossing so pedestrians could cross the road by the car park.

Earlestown councillor Dave Banks said the issue was being investigated.

He said: "I have spoken to the highways department and it is looking into the problem on that street."

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