I WONDER whether Bury Metropolitan Borough Council has got its priorities right?

Some time ago, they spent a great deal of money altering the road layout in the centre of Bury. We were told that it would be safer for everyone, especially pedestrians.

How many of our councillors have tried to cross the road there recently, and have had to dodge speeding taxi cabs, buses and sundry other vehicles dashing through what has become something of a "rat run"? I personally cannot see what advantages have been gained from such a huge outlay of money.

During the recent spell of severe weather, very few roads were treated quickly enough following the snow and ice. Chaos ensued as vehicles slithered around; buses were apparently cancelled because they could not get up hills, and everyone was taking their lives into their hands if they attempted to travel anywhere by road. Presumably this lack of action had something to do with finance. I believe that it recently ceased to be an obligation on local authorities to treat roads in icy conditions and, perhaps understandably, Bury might be seen to be taking advantage of this to save some money! After all, the local authority is always telling us that it is short of money.

What is more important: the well-being of the majority of the ratepayers, or the limited advantages that changes to a road layout have brought to a very small number of people?

A further example of the council putting minority interests first is the plan to introduce cycle lanes on Brandlesholme Road. There is already a clearly signed route for cyclists into the town centre, which takes them away from traffic congestion, but motorists are now to be further inconvenienced and possibly put at risk in the rush-hour by Bury's attempt to pander to the minority.

The council should be re-examining its priorities and spending money on making the borough safer for the majority.

BARBARA WILKINSON