Rat run fears for horseriders

Liz Jackson, 42, left and Lynn Whiteside, 65, horseriders fearing a rat-run has been created between Division Lane and the Moss Road in Marton after the closure of Wild Lane

In August, Lancashire County Council closed a section of the Moss Road, also known as Wild Lane, between Whitehill Road in Marton and Division Lane in Ansdell, after road surface issues led to two accidents.

But rather than use advised diversions, motorists are cutting through Division Lane on to Midgeland Road, Marton – an area popular with horseriders.

Liz Jackson, 42, who owns stables on Midgeland Road, said: “We can’t ride as much as we used to because of the traffic. There are more horses per square mile in Blackpool than anywhere else in the country, but this is so dangerous.

“We need more signs and more police seeing how drivers are behaving. Ideally, you’d want the police with a speed gun, catching the fast-moving cars out. They (the drivers) just show no interest in going past slowly. ”

Fellow rider Lynn Whiteside, 65, of Division Lane, added: “There are signs in place to say the road is closed but people are being ignorant.

“Drivers are flying down Division Lane from either end to make up time and avoid being stuck in traffic. They are trying to make the time up.”

Teams from Lancashire County Council have been inspecting the damaged section of the Moss Road.

An initial road closure notice has been made that specifies the road will be closed until February 28 next year.