A PEDESTRIAN refuge installed to improve conditions for residents is to be removed - because it is too dangerous.

Residents complained to Whitefield and Unsworth Area Board about the refuge in the centre of Church Lane, outside Stand All Saints Church.

They believe the road island is dangerous for pedestrians due to the narrow width of Church Lane and the pavement.

Pedestrians feel vulnerable having to walk so close to moving traffic and the refuge causes traffic congestion when the church holds funerals, weddings and other functions.

Now developers Wimpey Homes have agreed to remove the island, near the entrance to their development on the former Stand Grammar School site.

Mike Cannon, borough engineer for Bury Council, said: "Investigations showed that overall, the advantages of the refuge are outweighed by the disadvantages and consequently, it has been agreed that the refuge island will be removed at the earliest opportunity."

Mr Cannon said the changes to the pavement would also be modified to make it easier for pedestrians.

The initial concern about the refuge was raised by Dales Lane resident Mrs Ann Marshall at an area board meeting in February.

A site meeting was held with residents, undertakers, church wardens and representatives from Bury Council and the concerns were then presented to Wimpey Homes.

The refuge was constructed as part of access arrangements to The Standings development, and was intended to help protect vehicles turning right into Hampstead Drive, provide a pedestrian crossing point and calm traffic on Church Lane.

Chairman of the area board, Coun Joan Grimshaw, said: "I would like to thank Mrs Marshall and the church wardens for bringing this matter to the attention of the area board. It was from the site visit that the pedestrian refuge was found to be completely inappropriate for this location. I am delighted that the refuge will be removed as soon as possible in response to the legitimate concerns of the local community."