THE head of Bury's traffic unit has expressed his disappointment over the borough's latest accident figures.

Seven people, including a six-year-old boy, were killed during the period from April 2000 to March 2001. The death toll the previous year numbered just two.

Other statistics showed that during the last year, 726 people suffered slight injuries as a result of road traffic accidents with a further 41 road users sustaining serious injury. Three of the fatal accidents happened in the south of the borough with the towns Radcliffe, Prestwich and Whitefield suffering one road death each.

Inspector John Sargeson, head of the Bury Police's traffic unit, said: "A review of the fatal accident causes, locations and the ages of those involved are so varied in each case. "There is nothing that identifies a particular hot-spot or an age group or specific cause which links these tragedies."

The traffic boss said his sympathy went to all those affected by last year's fatal accidents.

However, he stressed a need for all road users to work with the police and the local authority to help reduce the death toll on the borough's roads.

Ins Sargeson said: "The figures are disappointing.

"Despite efforts of the police and the local authority, which has introduced traffic calming measures, we have not yet seen significant reductions in the number of accidents.

"It must be stressed that we all have a responsibility for reducing collisions. Drivers, pedal cyclists and pedestrians can all play a part.

"The message is simply to slow down and take care on the roads."