Hundreds of neighbours in Oldham are backing calls to improve pedestrian safety on a stretch of road they say is 'dangerous' and 'hazardous' due to the lack of a footpath.

Residents who live near Bullcote Lane and Cop Road in the Sholver and Moorside area have launched a campaign in hopes of improving access for walkers.

Lisa Jackson, who has launched the petition on Change.org, wrote: "Many of our non-driving community members, including school children, are taking high risks every day walking to and from their homes on our busy country road - Bullcote Lane merging to Cop Road.

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"This hazardous situation has become a personal concern for many of us as we witness the potential dangers of this road frequently.

"As it stands now, our road conditions do not support pedestrian safety with only a few stretches of pavement."

The concerned neighbour said this lack of pedestrian infrastructure is putting the community's "lives on the line on a daily basis".

Ms Jackson and more than 200 residents who have signed the petition are now appealing to the local authority to construct a footpath along the busy country road.

She added: "The time to take action is now.

"A dedicated walkway, clear of traffic hazards, will dramatically decrease the risk of accidents and increase the overall well-being of our community.

"Walkable communities aren't just safer, they also contribute to residents' physical health, mental well-being, and social connectivity.

"We urge you to put our community's safety first. 

"Your signature can be the difference between life and death for many in our community."

At the time of writing, the petition has accumulated 226 signatures in just five days since its launch.

Louise Farrimond agreed that it is a "dangerous stretch of road" and that she worries for her grandson who walks the route to get to school.

Aileen Murray said she has seen children walking on the busy road and "can see how dangerous it is with no footpath".

Another petitioner, Samantha Mason, said she felt a footpath was needed as people "walk up and down here every day" and "need protecting".

Ms Mason continued: "A footpath would be ideal for people to walk on, or people are at risk of being knocked over or worse, killed by an idiot driver."

Meanwhile, Stephanie Smith said it is "the only route" her child has to walk to school and Tracy Knuckey said her son walks by the side of the road, adding: "A lot of cars speed along this lane".

Jacki Fallon wrote: "It's an accident waiting to happen".

Local Labour councillor, Josh Charters, also lent his support to the campaign, writing: "I fully support this and would like to see this implemented in full. I've raised this issue with TfGM and will continue to support active travel measures across Sholver and the wider St James area."

Got a story? Email me Olivia.bridge@newsquest.co.uk