Rochdale town centre bridge links set to close

The new town centre map which details alternative walking routes

Residents and shoppers are being urged to familiarise themselves with new walking routes around the town centre ahead of the proposed closure of the bridge links connecting the Wheatsheaf and M&S with the old bus station car park tomorrow on Thursday (23 January).

The car park above the old bus station closed earlier this week for health and safety reasons after it was targeted by vandals.

Staff will be out on the streets helping people get around the town and handing out copies of the new town centre map which details alternative walking routes. This map can also be downloaded and printed out from the link below. Details of alternative car parking routes are also available on the Town Centre website:

http://www.rochdaletowncentre.com/home/pedestrian-routes

Anyone who would like a hard copy of the map can also pick it up from the library at Number One Riverside in Smith Street and from the Bailie Street entrance of the Wheatsheaf centre.

Customer service staff in Number One Riverside will also be on hand to give people help and advice.

The Wheatsheaf will now be accessed via its entrance on Baillie Street while visitors to M&S are advised to walk along Baillie Street and use the steps next to the old Mcdonalds site.

Shoppers who have trouble getting about are advised to visit shopmobility on Baillie Street.

Mark Widdup, Director of Economy and Environment at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We have had to close the bridge link for health and safety reasons. I would urge visitors to visit  www.rochdaletowncentre.com to find out how to get around our rapidly changing town centre.

“We appreciate that it might take people some time to familiarise themselves with the new routes, but we’d ask them to bear with us as this work is part of a hugely ambitious project which will transform Rochdale for the better.”

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