THE Market Street, Atherton, road closure which has worried traders fearing a drop in business in the run up to Christmas has certainly made life easier for shoppers.

Prior to the barricades going up last week, while work is carried out on pedestrianisation, endless streams of traffic forced people crossing to take their life in their hands making a dash for the other side.

Though I was at first dubious about the success of the scheme, when I called into the town centre life seemed more laid back -- and it was much easier getting about.

It seems to me that traders will have nothing to agonize about when the traffic free zone (apart from buses) is introduced, as Atherton is such a good shopping town for bargain hunters anyway.

The people I really feel sorry for are the residents of Mealhouse Lane, many of them elderly, who now face a busier road again with two way traffic for the first time in years.

I am, however, glad to hear that moves are underway to get pedestrian crossings completed and that Cllr Sue Loudon has requested double glazing should be installed in houses on the lane and at Mealhouse Court to reduce the traffic noise.

It's the least that the disturbed residents deserve.