NINE people were killed on the borough's roads last year.

And in the first two months this year crashes have already claimed five lives.

The tragic start to 2003 has seen the deaths of two young rugby stars, a teenager, an elderly pedestrian and a cyclist. Police believe action must be taken now to stop the death toll rising further.

Inspector Andy Hudson, the new boss of Bury's police traffic unit, said: "Last year was bad enough for the borough and the first two months of 2003 have been traumatic for everyone involved in these fatal road accidents.

"The causes of the latest tragedies are still being investigated but accidents are caused by a variety of reasons: speed, poor concentration, complacency, tiredness, or alcohol.

"All road users, motorists, cyclists and pedestrians, need to be aware of their surroundings, remain alert and stick to the law of the land. If not, we could suffer a more horrific time."

While the number of fatal accidents throughout Greater Manchester has decreased by 20 per cent and the overall collision figures have also fallen, police in Bury are determined to cut the number of road accident casualties during the next ten months.

Insp Hudson said: "I have taken charge of an 18-strong unit of dedicated and professional police officers whose sole aim is to make the roads of the borough safer for all users.

"Speeders and drink drivers will be caught and prosecuted, and people will be encouraged to think safe when using our roads."

Inspector Andy Hudson takes over from John Sargeson who has been promoted to moved to chief inspector in Wigan.

Insp Hudson (41) is married to Ann, a district nurse, and lives in Stockport. He joined Greater Manchester Police (GMP) in 1979 and spent the first ten years of his career as patrol police officer in the South Manchester area.

In 1989, he joined the force's motorbike unit before transferring two years later as a sergeant in the local traffic department. In 2001, he was promoted to his current rank and joins Bury from the Longsight division.

Insp Hudson is a keen sailor and is a member of GMP's sailing team as well as the treasurer of a windsurfing club based at Elton in Bury.