Over £300,000 to be given to community projects from township funding

Over £324,000 of townships' funding will go back into the community after being 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 tackling.

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

In most cases improvements are already underway or will be delivered in the coming weeks.

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation said the investment of township funds is really making a difference: “This latest support reflects the wide range of work that the council is driving forward, bringing so many benefits to local residents.

"There is more money going to groups who are doing invaluable work in the community as well as addressing important issues that residents have raised.

"To do even more we need you to get involved so as always please do let us know your ideas for things that will benefit your local area.”

Heywood Township funded the Heywood Charities Fete held earlier this month, the upcoming Christmas lights switch-on and will again support the town’s 1940’s Day event.

They are also contributing to the cost of the 1st Heywood Scouts to visit Kandersteg International Scout Camp in Switzerland.

Money was also allocated for a trainee teacher programme to enable local students to be supported by the Kat Dance events and community team, and a Christmas event to celebrate the tenth anniversary of social enterprise PossAbilities, which helps local vulnerable people.

The Nigeria Community Association was awarded a grant to purchase sewing machines, accessories and material for their popular sewing classes.

Middleton Township will provide funds for this year’s Christmas lights switch-on event in the town centre and a Christmas tree, lights and power at Truffet Park. Major improvements to the Wince Brook pathway will be carried out, improving access to nearby countryside.

There will be footpath improvements at Larkhill Court, Pine Street and Aspinall Street to enhance safety and accessibility for people with mobility issues.

The township also confirmed funding for youth group Heykids to perform their musical ‘Footloose’ at Middleton Arena and for the Summer Bands in the Park concerts being held in Jubilee Park next year. A new notice board will be installed near the play area at The Downs and boulders will be placed on Newlands Walk, Langley to preserve a grassed area.

Work already completed includes new fencing at Jumbo Social Centre to provide a safe and secure area for outdoor activities.

Pennines Township is supporting a 12-week therapy programme for local teenagers with mental health issues that will fund one-to-one support with 18 young people.

The Grade II-listed Hare Hill Park bandstand will be restored, including the replacement of its ornate cast iron barrier that was damaged by vandals.

Ebor Studio Gallery based at Ebor Mill, Littleborough, has received funds to improve accessibility for audiences, portable radiators to regulate the temperature in the gallery space and repairs to weatherproof an interior wall.

Wardle Cenotaph and garden of remembrance will have an accessible route for disabled visitors thanks to a new timber edge path and waiting restrictions are being implemented at St Andrew’s Close and Shore Road to address concerns about obstructive parking and the safety of pedestrians and vehicles.

Rochdale North Township is funding an extension to Athol Street car park to provide more spaces. Interactive signs that monitor and record average vehicle speeds, traffic flows and driver behaviour will be installed in Edenfield Road and Spotland Road, with data shared with Greater Manchester Police to support enforcement.

 

 

Christ Church in Healey has received funds to replace a path to access the community hall and garden.  Falinge Park High School will receive funds for a pergola, raised planters and benches to provide a calm, quiet and space.

The township has also allocated funds to address residents’ concerns about road safety in the Whitworth Road area - a pedestrian central island crossing point will be installed along with reflective bollards and footway improvements. Waiting restrictions and a new bus stop clear way will also be installed.

Vintage Worx Community Development Trust has received a contribution towards the cost of a security fence to protect their new community garden, the Al-Abbas Institute has received funds to deliver educational workshops for local young people and St Edmund’s Church has received a grant for the restoration of the vestry along with new display cases, lighting, table and chairs to bring the space back into use for the community.

Rochdale South Township will be contributing to the design, supply and installation of a BMX pump track in Balderstone Park adjacent to the existing skate park. A new footway will be created on Hillcrest Road to address the issue of recurring damage to the grass caused by articulated vehicles turning into nearby business parks.

The township will also fund the area’s Rochdale in Bloom entry, as well as a planter and hanging baskets to improve the environment on Kent Street and Dorset Street.

A Christmas tree at Slattocks Garden in Castleton will have lighting and power installed, and waiting restrictions will be implemented on Thames Street to maintain access and improve traffic flow.