LIVES could be put at risk when the borough's accident and emergency service is relocated to Fairfield Hospital, says a report.

It claims ambulances will be delayed in reaching the hospital and increased traffic on the main route to Fairfield will lead to a greater risk of accidents.

The survey was commissioned by Bury Community Health Council (CHC), the watchdog body for the region's health services. The CHC wants a new access route to the hospital to be established from Heap Bridge before the A&E service moves from Bury General in 2002.

Mr Paul Reynolds, chief officer of the health council, said: "This report entirely justifies the concerns the CHC have had since 1986. If nothing is done then there are serious implications for patients and there will be a problem waiting to happen." He added: "We are disappointed that the Bury and Rochdale Health Authority and Bury Council have played down these concerns. But now they have the independent report which clearly states the road cannot cope.

"Something has to be done and we are determined to keep fighting until something is done."

Mr Reynolds views were echoed by members of the public who were consulted in the drawing up of the report. Comments included: "I suppose we'll have to wait until someone dies in the ambulance, won't we" and "It's ridiculous! It's just money isn't it."

The report said that "ambulances attempting to reach Fairfield Hospital from the west during peak periods will be subject to delay.

"Any roadworks on the west of the hospital, even if they were conducted outside peak times, will cause significant delays for vehicles".

It concluded: "Time for most accident and emergency patients to reach hospital will be increased with the reconfiguration of services to Fairfield from the Bury General site."

Mr Reynolds said: "If there is an accident on the road and the road needs to be closed the hospital will be completely isolated. Access would have to be through Heywood if a new link is not established.

"In the case of emergencies, time is of the essence and ambulances need to reach the hospital as quickly as possible."

The report has been passed on the Bury and Rochdale Health Authority and Bury Council.

"We want these bodies to study the report and back us in our campaign to get this new link established. If they get behind us we have a stronger case to put to the Government," said Mr Reynolds.

The health authority says it is considering the report and has promised to get involved in any future discussions regarding the route.