An independent accident prevention charity said this week it was seriously concerned' about Tory proposals to reopen Partingdale Lane.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) has written a report on the narrow road.

The report says: "RoSPA is seriously concerned that if the road is reopened, then there is a high probability that there will be an increase in road traffic accidents again returning to Partingdale Lane."

The report recommends a non-confrontational' working group be formed of various interested parties, including residents, police and councillors.

Council leader Victor Lyon offered his support said: "I would support such a measure."

The report says there were four accidents in Partingdale Lane between 1990 and 1996 which caused slight' injuries.

But Councillor Brian Coleman, the cabinet member for environment who wants to reopen the road, said: "That's a darn sight fewer than many other roads in the borough. All residents are worried about is the value of their houses."

The reopening decision is now due on August 29.

June 27, 2002 15:00