New lights needed on Townhouse Road, says councillor

Campaigner Janet Emsley and local councillor John Hartley are campaigning for additional street lighting on Townhouse Road in Littlebborough

Littleborough Lakeside councillor John Hartley is calling for improved lighting on Townhouse Road.

A long stretch of this busy thoroughfare is unlit and fears have been raised for the safety of pedestrians. The road is well used by residents getting to and from the park and library in Hare Hill House and to the cricket ground.

Concern has also been voiced about the safety of young people, who use the road to get to the skate park and to the community school.

Councillor Hartley is calling for additional lighting on the road to improve safety. He said: “There used to be a lamppost near the play area but it was taken down sometime in the 80s or 90s and was never replaced. This needs putting back before there is an accident.”

Local campaigner Janet Emsley is backing the call for additional lighting. She said: “The road is well used by children going to and from the community school and skate park; and by mums and toddlers using the nearby play area. It gets quite dark on winter afternoons and we need extra lighting to make this a safer environment.”

Councillor Hartley is to ask the Pennines Township for funding for another lighting column for the road.

A spokesperson for Rochdale Borough Council said: “We are currently replacing the majority of street lighting throughout the borough, but as this section of road is currently unlit the authority has no statutory duty to light it.

"We have spoken to Councillor Hartley and Pennines Township and are helping them look into the cost and upkeep of installing lighting columns, subject to the funding being available.”