“Look Lively" scheme launched

"Look Lively" is being aimed specifically at residents who live along the A631 Bawtry Road between Whiston Crossroads and the Lumley Arms at Maltby.

The course, which is being run by the Council's Road Safety Unit, is part of the South Yorkshire 'Worst First' initiative.

This aims to reduce the number of fatal and serious accidents on A class roads in the area and will be launched at the Wickersley Community Centre at 2:15pm on Tuesday, January 25.

The A631, which links the MI and the A1, is now a busy dual carriageway that runs through residential areas and has seen the installation of various new traffic signals and pedestrian crossing points along its length.

Unfortunately, it has also seen several serious accidents in the last five years involving older pedestrians and the aim of the new initiative is to remind the more senior residents living along or near the road that they might need to reconsider their methods if they need to cross. 

"We hope that any senior residents who live in the area will attend," explained Mick Wilson, a member of the Council's Road Safety Team.

"Because Rotherham has been allocated this money to specifically help that particular section of the community. We have been in contact with various local  groups and we hope that residents will take advantage of the 30 minute simple course, which may prevent future accidents or casualties.

"It will not only explain the reasoning behind the new pedestrian crossings but will also remind older residents of the need to consider the levels of their hearing, eyesight and  mobility."

Backed by the South Yorkshire Safety Camera Partnership, the initiative is initially targeting this  specific area and local resident groups before being made available to any older resident groups throughout the borough.