HELP is on the way for residents in a traffic-clogged street. For months, people have complained about vehicles from Hook-Up Ltd, cable television and telephony contractors, clogging up Dixon Street, Westhoughton, for over an hour every morning. Residents say the vans are parked on either side of the once-quiet street, and sometimes across it, making it impossible for them to use their cars. They also say that the vehicles are causing a danger to schoolchildren, and toddlers using the playgroup beside the firm.

Mr Terry Riley said that on one morning there were more than 40 vans in the street.

He said: "This used to be a quiet little backwater, but not any more. From about 7.30am the vans start coming. The drivers then start clearing the vans out and loading them up on the street. When people complain they are treated with contempt. I've complained to Bolton Council several times. It's no use waiting until an accident has happened."

Westhoughton Town councillor Mrs Jean Green raised the matter in council and the company said that half the vehicles were relocating to Preston. But Cllr Mrs Green said nothing has improved. She added: "On one occasion the ambulance couldn't get down the street and an elderly man had to be carried to the ambulance."

However Hook-Up's general manager Tom McQuiggan said the firm had secured new premises in Middleton and hope to transfer the majority of staff soon. The company is also re-opening its Widnes branch.

Hook-Up employ about 250 people and have a fleet of 150 vehicles with 40 based at Dixon Street.

he said: "Over the past two years our company has experienced huge growth and become one of the major local employers. Unfortunately this rapid growth has led to traffic congestion in Dixon Street between 7.30am and 8.30am. "The residents have been very patient, no doubt due to the knowledge that our success has reduced unemployment in the area. We hope to reward that patience with the restoration of normal traffic levels in Dixon Street."

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