Councillor Paolucci calls on council to 'rethink' Baillie Street rising bollards as former M&S brought back into use

As a result of bringing the former M&S on Yorkshire Street back into use, Councillor Rina Paolucci has called on the council to rethink its rising bollards on Baillie Street, which operate during restricted hours.

The bollards were installed in 2018, as part of a traffic regulation order for Yorkshire and Baillie Streets.

Due to the restricted hours, Councillor Paolucci is concerned that this will impact the new community hub use of the former M&S building, now called Better Together.
 

Read more: Rochdale centre's former M&S to reopen as community hubPublished: 17 May 2021

She said: “It is very generous of the council to allow not-for-profit organisations to use the former M&S building, free of charge and we are all very grateful.  

“That said, with no access to the loading bay during working hours, people will be unable to drop off large donations and bulky items. Similarly, anyone buying bulky items will be unable to load their car whilst the bollards are up.”

 

 

“In view of the types of businesses that will be using the space and with former alternative routes onto Baillie Street now closed off, I would ask the council to take a more flexible approach and find a solution, as we need to make this fabulous community asset as easy to access as possible.

“Reuse Littleborough in particular does so much for people in this, and other boroughs, giving away so much for free, taking referrals from social workers for expectant mothers and families in need, which would otherwise be a significant cost to the council.”

The entry bollards outside Barclays Bank remain in the ‘up’ position at all times between 10am and 6pm to prevent motorists from driving along Yorkshire Street and Baillie Street. These bollards automatically lower to allow access at 6pm, and automatically rise again at 10am the next day.

Should a vehicle approach the entry system between 10am and 6pm, the bollards remain in the ‘up’ position and will not automatically lower. Access is only granted for emergency services and vehicles with a valid permit to work in the area.

A spokesperson for Rochdale Borough Council, said: “The Baillie Street area was repaved and pedestrianised to improve safety and create a brand new and improved public realm, which would make it easier for visitors to access and enjoy Rochdale town centre and everything it has to offer, including the new Rochdale Riverside development.

“The traffic regulation order for this area allows businesses access for loading and unloading before 10am and after 6pm every day.”
 

Read more: Bollards on the rise in Rochdale town centrePublished: 21 June 2018