Alien spotted in Clover Hall

Councillors, tenants and residents have been invited to meet a six metre tall alien on Wednesday (25 March).

The close encounter will be the highlight of a special tour of state-of-the-art play facilities for children and young people living in Clover Hall, Bellshill and Mayfield.

The Alien, an exciting climbing structure, will be a key stop on a tour showcasing the progress that has been made on the new play area at Eafield Road off Albert Royds Street as it nears completion.

Rochdale Council’s Head of Strategic Housing, Paul Beardmore said: “The support and commitment from the local community, councillors and council services has enabled the building of this excellent facility for the young people of Clover Hall, Bellshill and Mayfield.

"The play area will be fully open for the start of the Easter School holidays.”

The play area between Albert Royds Street and Eafield Road is near the Meadowfields Community Centre and has equipment and facilities for children of all ages from infants to teenagers.

Teenagers and juniors have their own area centred on the The Alien, while infants have a separate play area with swings and a play structure for 2 6 year olds. A multi-use games area for ball sports completes the park.

At consultation events, local children chose the type of equipment they wanted to play on and their favourites went into the final design. Children also chose the name of the play area - Belfield Park.

The £370,000 cost of the scheme has been funded by Rochdale Council and Rochdale Boroughwide Housing with contributions from the developer of the nearby Dale Mill housing site; the Safer, Stronger Communities Fund; the Play Pathfinder; the No Messin’ Rail Legacy Fund and the European Regional Development Fund.