Bamford roads set for a makeover

Residents have asked for work to be carried out on roads in Bamford at the latest Bamford and Oakenrod Area Forum.

Locals wanted to see improvements made to Bury Road from the Winston Churchill to the Elephant and Castle, Malvern Street West in Oakenrod, and Clay Lane from no.107 to Furbarn Lane.

57 local residents attended the second area forum at Bamford Chapel yesterday (Monday 1 June). 17 issues had been raised at the first meeting in March, and Assistant Township Manager Stuart Hay reported back to the meeting the actions that have been taken.

These included plans and costings for the redesign of the Half Acre Lane and Roch Valley Way junction to discourage rat running the wrong way up a one way road.

Issues raised for the first time last night included the debate over whether Bamford should have an 8–13 year olds’ play area opposite the Precinct.

Stuart Hay was also asked to investigate the possibility of having a Christmas tree in Bamford this year that could be paid for out of the £4,000 Area Forum funds.

PC Helen Ward attended the meeting and explained the police priorities in the area, including how they were tackling burglary and drug dealing in Bamford.

Councillor William Hobhouse commented: "The Bamford and Oakenrod Area Forum is quickly becoming one of the best examples of effective local democracy in the borough. What I like about the Forum is that it isn’t a talking shop, it is the place where we can get things done. Already things are happening in Bamford and Oakenrod that wouldn’t have happened before."

The next meeting will be on Monday 14 September at 6.30 pm, at Bamford Chapel.