Trial closure starts on South Parade

An experimental weekend closure of South Parade in Rochdale starts on Christmas Eve. Police have raised concerns over pedestrian safety in the town centre, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights in the early hours of the morning when the area becomes congested with night time revellers.

The trial closure of South Parade, which is a road located in the heart of Rochdale’s club and pub district, has been introduced to try to help police cope with the bottleneck created outside bars and clubs during peak drinking hours, as well as reduce the risk of revellers being injured in the street.

In principle the closure could be put in place every night, however it will predominantly be closed on Friday and Saturday evenings and for special days over the Christmas and New Year period. The Police will manage the closures and will use their discretion on when to implement them.

Sergeant Carl O’Brien, for Rochdale North Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “South Parade will be closed on a trial basis for the next two months. An evaluation of its effectiveness will be made later in the New Year.

“The closures are effective on Fridays and Saturday evenings but could also fall on other days where deemed appropriate.

“We have been in talks with our partners at GMPTE to ensure minimal disruption to buses.

“The closures are designed to support the public by reducing congestion while maintaining public safety particularly for our night time revellers.”

Hackney carriages will be on the ranks at The Butts and Packer Street. Private hire vehicles must be pre-booked, so pick up and drop off points can be agreed with the operator when booking.

Councillor Ted Flynn, Cabinet Member for Community Safety added: “We have considered the possibility of closing South Parade to traffic for some time, and I am pleased that we are now able to do so. We want to create an environment in Rochdale Town Centre that increases safety for everyone. We have been consulting local businesses in the area and will be reviewing its impact closely.”

Objectors to the plans to cut the busy street off to traffic will have 6 months, until June 2010, to put their views in writing to the council. There will be exceptions during the closure so that access will be maintained for emergency service vehicles.