Smithy Bridge underpass cleaned and painted by volunteers

Andrew Griffin, Dan Coles, Sarah McArdle and Roy Greenhalgh at the Smithy Bridge underpass

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

The underpass next to the level crossing at Smithy Bridge has been tidied and painted by a group of volunteers.

Following a public meeting earlier this year to discuss level crossing safety with Smithy Bridge residents, the poor condition of the public underpass was raised due to an abundance of graffiti and litter. The makeover of the underpass has provided a better, brighter alternative route to cross the railway.

Sarah McArdle, community relations manager at Network Rail, said: “Local residents were hesitant to use the underpass at Smithy Bridge to cross the railway as it was dark and full of litter and graffiti.”

Councillor Janet Emsley, cabinet member for culture, health and wellbeing at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “The underpass looks clean, fresh and much more appealing. I am pleased that this clean-up has finally been done and would like to thank Network Rail and the volunteers who rolled their sleeves up to get it done in such a short space of time. I know the local school children and families who use it every day will be pleased.”