Heartbreaking trend ‘putting lives at risk’ at Bolton junction where 12 lanes of traffic meet

Bolton council said those begging at a busy road junction compromises the safety of motorists and pedestrians.

Earlier in the summer, police said they had attended to homeless and vulnerable people dozens of times where the A666 meets the Topp Way, taking in the nearby retail park and other surrounding businesses and streets.

The new signs, which state ‘Roadside begging puts lives at risk. Give instead to local charities who help those in need’ have been installed at locations where roadside begging is a long-term issue.

The first are at the junction of Topp Way and Kay Street. The council added that most who beg in Bolton are not homeless, and help is available for those who need it and choose to accept it.

Bolton Council’s executive member for highways, Coun Hamid Khurram, said: “Roadside begging can be distracting for drivers and puts people at risk of road accidents.

“Giving money to people who are begging does not address underlying issues like addiction or poor mental health.

“A better way to help is to give to charities that provide a wide range of long-term support to move people away from begging and living on the streets.

“Hope for Change is a local charity that aims to help those struggling with issues that often lead to begging, such as drug and alcohol addiction, unemployment and poor mental health.”

The council added that is anyone had concerns about a rough sleeper they could email [email protected] in confidence or call the council’s housing options services on 01204 335900.

Police have said they intend to ‘engage and support’ vulnerable people, including those begging at traffic lights in the middle of a huge road junction.

They said the issue of particular concern is people entering the highway and asking for cash from motorists at the the end of St Peter’s Way at its junctionwith Topp Way, where 12 lanes of traffic converge at the crossroads which also leads to Turton Street.

When the Local Democracy Reporting Service visited the spot in early July, a man could be seen sitting at the side of the central reservation of St Peter’s Way, facing four lane lanes of traffic as vehicles slowed down and waited at the lights.

On a nearby walkway, close to a car sales outlet, evidence of rough sleeping could be seen. Blankets were strewn next to the footpath with several empty drink cans and food wrappers nearby.

In Bolton, the neighbourhood policing team said it had implemented a ‘direct, targeted approach to vulnerable people’, regularly patrolling areas where they are known to visit or pass through, and provide thorough checks and signposting to those in need.

Working in conjunction with the council’s rough-sleeping team, people seen as at risk are given multiple options as to what they can do and where they can go.

These include nearby hostels, shelters, and services, which can provide everything from medical check-ups to mental health assistance.