Over £124,000 investment agreed for "local improvements"

Local community investment totalling over £124,000 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.

This funding provides financial backing to projects and community groups that enhance the local area. In most cases, improvements are already under way or will be delivered in the coming weeks.

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation said the investment of township funds really makes a difference: “I am proud we are able to allocate funds to these deserving projects.

"Our townships are all about community, and this latest support reflects the range of work that the council is driving forward, making a real difference to residents.

"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.”  

Middleton Township will support Alkrington Library Art Group to deliver weekly art sessions until April 2025, aimed at reducing isolation, helping wellbeing and mental health. 

They are also funding a free Christmas event at Lodge Mill, featuring a Santa’s Village for children and families, along with festive craft sessions. Two bollards will be installed at Alston Walk to prevent vehicles accessing a public footpath.

They are funding three electric bikes for the local neighbourhood policing team, enabling them to maintain a visible presence and deter criminal activity in areas where patrol cars would be hindered by traffic or limited access.

Response times will be improved as officers can react faster to incidents and be more visible in the community to improve engagement.

A speed survey will also be conducted on Grimshaw Lane in response to residents’ concerns about speeding motorists.

Heywood Township is funding the restoration of flag poles in Heywood Memorial Gardens together with new handrails on Birnam Grove and Atholl Drive, as well as re-painting poles on a Welcome to Heywood sign.

They are financially supporting Greater Manchester Police’s community spirit project which will see PCSO’s engaging with local young people and vulnerable adults with festive themed events in December.  

Pennines Township funded the recent Lantern Parade in Hare Hill Park which included workshops at local primary schools, large puppets, professional musicians, singers and a local choir.

They are also supporting a Johnny Alfrey Music Memorial (JAMM) project to design and construct a mobile stage, creating a performance space to enhance opportunities for young bands and performers while reducing hire costs.

The project will be supported by engineers, artists, set builders and teachers who are members of JAMM’s Board of Trustees and will deliver workshops to teach young people the skills needed to design and construct the stage.

They will then have the opportunity to manage the stage at an in-house gig before it is used throughout the year for one off shows and as a second stage at JAMM’s third annual event next May at Littleborough Cricket Club.

Music lovers, artists, technicians and people who want to get together to create live music will be given the opportunity to participate in workshops to obtain the skills to be part of the music industry and support the event. Waiting restrictions will be installed at Smithy Bridge Rd/Stopford Ave to address residents’ concerns about vehicles parking on footpaths and causing obstructions.

Milnrow Ladybarn Bowling Club is to receive funds for a long overdue refurbishment of its kitchen and toilets as well as work to make the facilities more accessible.

11 teams are based at the club which caters for crown green bowling for all ages.  Access for vehicles to safely cross a public footpath from the road onto a driveway will also be installed on Beechwood Avenue. 

Rochdale South Township is funding a ‘reconnect and engage’ programme at Kashmir Youth Project that will work with vulnerable local young people to build connections and develop activities for them to be involved with, alongside ongoing outreach work.

Twice weekly sessions will cover health and wellbeing; information, advice and guidance; employability; essential skills and youth empowerment, citizenship, social and physical activities, positive thinking, drugs and alcohol dangers and safeguarding.

They will also be funding a Pride in Place initiative conjunction with the Culture Co-op, Deeplish Community Centre and Kirkholt Church and Community Centre, supporting residents to produce public artwork such as murals and outdoor galleries.

Funds will also be used to enable a local artist to work with residents creating knitted sculptures and decorations to enhance the area and contribute to its upkeep, using art and creativity in innovative ways.

Lay-by parking will be constructed at Nicholson Street and Deeplish Street, and waiting restrictions will be installed on Chadwick Hall Road, Battersby Street, Half Acre Road and Fieldhead Avenue to better regulate parking and improve pedestrian safety in the area near Oulder Hill shops.  

Rochdale North Township funding has already been allocated so no further money will be allocated until next year.