Drivers Told: "Cut the Speed in Southern Cemetery"

12.00.00am GMT Fri 11th Jan 2008

Chorlton Park Councillors Tony Bethell and Norman Lewis hope that short cuts through the cemetery will soon be a thing of the past

Liberal Democrat Councillor for Chorlton Park, Norman Lewis, has secured a commitment from Manchester City Council to take measures to stop the menace of cars speeding through Southern Cemetery.

Taxis and other cars are using the cemetery as a short-cut between Nell Lane and Barlow Moor Road and are driving too fast, putting those visiting the cemetery on foot in danger.

Following requests from Councillor Lewis, the City Council is now going to erect speed limit signs to warn drivers to keep to an appropriate 5 to 10mph within the cemetery.

Cllr Norman Lewis said:

"There have been fantastic improvements made to Southern Cemetery in recent weeks, and it is looking better than it has done for years."

"However, I have been concerned at the speed some drivers are doing in the cemetery. As well as causing a danger to all those who visit the cemetery for funerals and to visit graves, these drivers are also showing a total lack of respect. I hope that the signs the Council have now promised will make drivers drop the speed right down."

Chorlton campaigner Lianne Williams, who is a member of the Friends of Southern Cemetery, said:

"Driving at speed through the cemetery is dangerous and inconsiderate to the bereaved and visitors to the Southern Cemetery. Let's hope that the new signs will make people think twice before they put the foot down."

ENDS