WORK has started on a local safety scheme in the Victoria Lane area of Whitefield.

The eight-week project has been designed by Bury Council, with the help of local residents, to improve safety for motorists and pedestrians, reduce the speed of vehicles and enhance the environment.

The project will include the introduction of a number of traffic calming measures specifically on Victoria Avenue, Dudley Avenue, Furness Avenue and Lancaster Avenue.

Following a period of consultation the scheme was largely welcomed by local residents but some expressed the need for even more traffic calming measures.

The council decided to go ahead with the original scheme, which they have named the first phase, and hope to eventually provide a second phase of works which will include the extra proposals.

They intend to continue consultation throughout December and report back to Whitefield and Unsworth area board in January with the results.

The original scheme includes the introduction of 20mph zones, raised junction tables together with associated drainage, kerbing, pavement and road resurfacing, plus relevant traffic signs and road markings.

In the long term the local safety scheme will be enhanced by a £900,000 government funded Home Zones project which has been designated for the Victoria Lane estate.