Local community projects receive boost from townships funding

Councillor Sue Smith

More local community groups and projects across the borough will benefit from funding totalling over £107,000 in the coming weeks following the latest round of townships funding agreed by Rochdale Borough Council.

Five township committees - Heywood, Middleton, Rochdale North, Rochdale South and the 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 and community groups that will enhance their local areas.

In most cases, the improvements will be delivered during the next three months.

Middleton Township is funding protective railings for pedestrians at Hazlehurst Drive/Hollin Lane and traffic calming measures on Chaucer Road/Kingsley Road. New lighting will be installed in the car park at Bowlee Playing Fields and new fencing in Limefields Park and on Ennerdale Road. Bowlee Jubilee Family Fete which will take place this June is being financially supported and security at Middleton Scout Hut is being upgraded.

Pennines Township is funding new equipment for Littleborough Boxing Club to deliver football and rounders tournaments, family sports days and other community-based activities and events. Wardle Scouts Group is being given funds for equipment to help establish a ‘Squirrels’ section to accommodate children aged between four and six. They are also investing in traffic waiting restrictions on Gordon Street/Shaw Road and on Croft Street to prevent obstructions caused by parked vehicles.

Upcoming Rochdale North investment includes a grant for the 7th A Rochdale Scout Group, waiting restrictions on Tell Street and a new grit bin for Greave Street residents. Pakeeza Women’s Group has also been awarded funding for materials to support their women’s knitting group.

Rochdale South has agreed to fund the installation of a kissing gate, boulders and a knee rail at the Wasp Avenue entrance to Balderstone Park to deter the unauthorised use of motorbikes within the park, and minor resurfacing work on the paths. At Stoneyfield Park Play Area in Deeplish the existing sand safety surfacing will be replaced. They are also financing traffic restrictions on Oldham Road from its junction with Gilbrook Way to the bus stop located north of Parkfield Street to prevent indiscriminate parking and improve the traffic flow on Oldham Road.

On top of these, Heywood Township Committee meets this month to consider funding a number of proposals including a community arts project by Cartwheel Arts, this year’s Darnhill Festival, new public address equipment for the Monday Community Club at St Margaret’s Church and a multi-activity weekend for the 12th Heywood Scouts Group.

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation, said the funding will allow a number of projects to be taken forward that will improve the lives of people living in the borough. She said: “Improving road safety, upgrading well-used facilities and equipment, enabling events to happen - our township committees play a vital role in tackling local issues and this latest round of funding will enable us to build on the progress we are making, delivering improvements and investment where it matters.

“I know many residents, volunteers and local groups make a huge contribution and we want to support them.”