Concerns about speeding and HGV movements at Castleton Area Forum

Royle Road

Concerns about speeding traffic, HGV movements and air pollution were three hot topics raised at the recent Castleton Area Forum.

Councillor Billy Sheerin said: “Residents are concerned about an increase in speeding, particularly on Royle Barn Road.”

He said: “There was a serious incident recently when one speeding car went into three parked cars. The driver stood talking to residents when waiting for police and then slipped away. There was no tax or insurance on the car.

“Another main concern was movements caused from HGVs going from Tesco at Sudden into the village. People as far away as The Green have reported shaking in their houses. There’s been an increase in lorries going past now with Walkers and Tetrosyl, and if they turn at the top end of Royle Barn onto Manchester Road, they always turn left. If they turn left again to Queensway, they take up the entire road.

“Air pollution due to increased traffic in the village was another one. We’d like the air quality monitoring because of the amount of HGVs now.”

Police confirmed they were aware of the speeding issue around Royle Barn Road and Royle Road and aim to get a referral to the Traffic Unit. Residents were advised to obtain registration numbers of speeding vehicles and pass this to the Neighbourhood Policing Team.

With regards to the road surface condition of Royle Road, Councillors Sheerin and Jean Hornby met on site with Highways Maintenance Inspectors. No funding is currently available, however, a bid will be submitted should funding become available.

The road surface at the Nixon Street junction and near the Kwik Save premises was also raised as the surface is badly damaged. Residents stated this is the diversion route for the M62 and urgent repairs are needed. An inspection will be requested.

Residents also reported difficulties exiting Partington Street due to vehicles parking at the junction and blocking visibility; also an issue at the Manchester Road/Heywood Road junction. Police Community Support Officers will pay passing attention and liaise with colleagues in Parking Services.

Building works are progressing well with the Carnegie Library. The dome at the top of the tower will be reinstated and steel girders are in place.

A new bus service was launched between Rochdale and North Manchester General Hospital. The number 16 will run every two hours.

A wildflower meadow will be planted by the railway bridge for the 2017 In Bloom entry. Residents were also impressed by the mural alongside the canal, designed by local school children and joint funded by Barratts and Castleton Ward Fund.