For years, the people of Preesall say they’ve taken their life into their hands when trying to walk into the Over Wyre village.
Now a generous benefactor is offering to donate land to the local council to build a pedestrian pathway so walkers no longer have to share the road with huge wagons, double decker buses, trade vans, motorbikes and cars.
Cat is supporting the community’s efforts to make Hall Gate Lane, the main access route into Preesall and Knott End, safer for school children, employees working on an industrial estate, bus users and walkers.
“It’s incredible there haven’t been more pedestrian accidents on this stretch of road,” said Cat Smith. “Its used by a very high number of Heavy Goods Vehicles and buses and there is literally nowhere for pedestrians to walk safely.”
Local businessman Chris Allen has now bought a number of pieces of land, which together can now be turned into a safe pedestrian path.
“I’ve lived here since the early 1980’s” said Mr Allen, “and my heart is in my mouth every time I see someone walking down what is a really busy highway. I would like to donate my land to the local council so the highways department can build safe pedestrian access for people walking to work, getting off the bus and getting to and from school.”
Cat recently visited the site with Mr Allen and local campaigner Leanne Murray and has since written to Lancashire County Council asking for a commitment from the Highways Department to fund the works.
“Mr Allen’s generosity has saved the council thousands in not needing to purchase land to make the area safe,” explained Cat. “I really hope they can find the funding to build a pathway that will quite literally save lives. This issue was first raised with the council in 2004 when the Duckworth family gifted some land to the council. It shouldn’t take 18 years to get something done. I just hope the council can make this happen before there’s a serious accident.”