The estate overrun by cars that may soon be changed for the better

A small housing estate in Rochdale which residents say has been chock-a-block with cars for years could be in-line for change.

The Smallbridge estate, around Armstrong Hurst Close, Ditton Mead Close and Stonie Heyes Avenue, has struggled with the volume of families using cars, and councillors say this has left residents fighting for space. 

A petition was launched by local ward councillors, signed by the majority of the estate, to sort the issue out. Recently, the Pennines Township Committee at Rochdale Council signed off on a £10,000 consultation to look into the matter. 

This would assess the costs and practicalities of removing grass verges and walls to create a level surface for parking spaces.

 

 

Councillor John Blundell said: “I’ve been helping individual residents with this issue for years but it’s not been enough. I have been campaigning for change during the election campaign and I have petitioned the council by asking all residents to sign up to my campaign. 

“The consultation will give everyone on the estate the ability to make their voice heard and will help me secure capital funding from the council to support new parking. All residents need to come together and use their front gardens for parking. 

“By working together the problem can be solved but people have to be ready to play their part.”
 

Read more: Extreme measures on the housing estate where parking is becoming ‘chaotic’ and ‘dangerous’Published: 18 September 2024

The Smallbridge and Firgrove ward representative thought removing sections of raised kerbs and grassed areas and providing a tarmac finish could be one solution. Council papers estimate this plan could cost around £100,000 to do. 

The report published last year also highlighted that two locations have been identified for a new car park area off Stonie Heys Avenue, but this could cost between £300,00 and £600,000.

George Lythgoe, Local Democracy Reporter