Controversial Milkstone & Deeplish active neighbourhood trial paused after vandalism

Date published: 24 March 2023

A controversial active neighbourhood trial in Milkstone and Deeplish has been paused after vandalism to the residential street measures.

The trial – which saw a number of streets made one-way and vehicle filters introduced – was launched in February, and is expected to last six months.

The scheme has proved controversial, with numerous measures were set on fire and damaged overnight on Thursday 23 March.

As a result, the Transport for Greater Manchester funded-trial has been paused.

Interventions included displayed signs, new bollard and road markings, traffic islands and planted, with one-way orders introduced and restrictions of no waiting time created.

The streets which had become one-way during the trial included:

• Ashfield Road - become one-way in an easterly direction
• Castlemere Street - become one-way in a southerly direction
• Derby Street - become one-way in a southerly direction
• Kensington Street - become one-way in a westerly direction
• Mere Street - become one-way in a northerly direction
• Osborne Street - become one-way in a westerly direction

Vehicle filters had been implemented at the junctions of:

• Boundary Street and Osborne Street
• Derby Street and Exeter Street (relocation of existing filter at the junction with Durham Street)
• Durham Street and Derby Street
• Leicester Street with Derby Street
• New Barn Lane at the railway bridge
• Salkeld Street with Gate Street
• Whitby Street with Derby Street

One local resident told Rochdale Online the scheme had impacted on the emergency services, increasing journey times by five minutes – which can prove the difference between life and death in some cases – and caused a lot of congestion from Ashfield Road.

She added that she ‘didn’t know’ who supported the scheme, whilst another said ‘we all want it.’

Mohammed Yousaf said: “We all want the calm scheme, the restrictions in place but not the way the council went about it.

“They closed every street down in Deeplish, making us a type of prisoner. The boys who went down and burnt all these things… it’s not the right thing to do, but off the back of every single resident’s head, they’ve done a good thing.

“If they [the council] do want to do it [the trial], no problem, but do it the right way, step by step.”

Councillor Danny Meredith, cabinet member for highways at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “While we understand there may be some strong feelings about the active travel trial on both sides, violence and threats will not be tolerated and the police are investigating this incident.

“The damage has now been cleared by the council and the active travel trial has been paused while we consider our next steps.”

Ward councillor Shahid Mohammed added: “Everybody who knows me, knows how much I care about this area and our amazing community and I understand there are some strong feelings out there about the active travel trial.

“However, while we are always willing to listen to feedback and want to work with the local community, violence and threats cannot and will not be tolerated.

“The damage is being cleared by the council and police are investigating. Because of this, the Active Neighbourhoods trial has been paused while we assess and review the next steps.”