Township funding granted for community projects

Hare Hill Park in Littleborough

A programme of local community investment totalling over £160,000 is being delivered across the borough following the latest round of townships funding agreed by Rochdale Borough Council. 

Five township committees; Heywood, Middleton, Rochdale North, Rochdale South and Pennines allocate council funds, including grants for community projects, environmental and highway improvements, events and issues raised by residents that need addressing. 

Township committee funding is designed to give financial backing to projects recommended by residents and community groups that will enhance their local areas.

Some of the improvements have already been made and others are soon to be delivered.

In Heywood a wildlife pond has been created next to Gristlehurst Woods in Roch Valley, funding has been provided to ‘Tackling Minds’ to enable them to run fishing sessions to help residents with their mental health and two new flags have been purchased for Heywood Memorial Gardens.

New traffic bollards are soon to be fitted on Rochdale Road East to help prevent parking on the pavement and community events including Heywood Charities Fete and this month’s Heywood’s Christmas Light’s Switch On have received financial support.

Middleton Township have funded pathway renovations to improve public access to Tonge Field, new interpretation panels in Alkrington Woods, fence panels on Ennerdale Road as well as traffic bollards on New Lane and Windermere Road.

Recent Rochdale North investment includes a community sensory and herb garden on Cronkeyshaw Common, new feature lighting on the slopes in in Broadfield Park, junction improvements on Spotland Road, footbridge and path renovations at Caldershaw Brook and a community memorial orchard and wildflower area off Rooley Moor Road.

New low energy LED floodlights have been installed at Spotland Old Kick Pitch to enhance the facilities and a vehicle activated speed sign on Elmsfield Avenue in Norden has been funded, aimed at slowing traffic in the area.  Handrails have also been restored and re-painted in the subways near Spotland Road/College Bank.

Rochdale South have funded traffic calming measures on Bertha Road as well as supporting community projects organised by Al-Abbas Institute, the Pakistani and Kashmiri Community Association, Pakeeza Women’s Group and a mental health support event delivered by Awakening Minds.

Pennines Township has funded new fencing at Hare Hill Bowling Club, improved the Clough Street Play Area, contributed towards the cost of solar panels at Milnrow Cricket Club and agreed funding for waiting restrictions on Ferrand Road and Ogden Lane.

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation said townships are making a difference, tackling issues close to resident’s hearts: “These are smaller projects that make a big difference on the ground in local areas and townships can make sure the financial support reaches exactly where it is needed.

“We want to see more involvement from local residents and community groups. Townships know their areas very well and can prioritise local issues promptly. Your township will do its best to help but we need you to get involved too and let us know what else needs addressing.”