Movement needed on station parking

Councillor Dale Mulgrew

A meeting has been held at Rochdale train station following commuter concerns about the future of its parking provision once the Metrolink works start.

It was concluded that movement needs to be made on the parking issues and as a result a report will be submitted to Rochdale Council’s Cabinet in September.

The Council's chief on development issues, Councillor Dale Mulgrew hosted the meeting on Monday (26 July 2010) outside the train station with senior officials from Rochdale Council, Rochdale Development Agency and the Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive.

Councillor Mulgrew conducted a walkabout that commenced at the entrance to the train station.

At the end of the tour, discussions were held around the timetable and schedule of works to be undertaken for the Metrolink.

There was also a special consideration given to the impending closure of High Level Road and the consequential loss of parking places.

The Cabinet paper will present the options for a short term solution, in order to respond to the temporary loss of parking spaces. Plus it will examine a clearer position around the future park and ride options the Passenger Transport Executive wants to deliver in the area of the train station.

The Passenger Transport Executive has already created options for providing more parking spaces at stations across all of Greater Manchester, and this includes Rochdale.

Councillor Dale Mulgrew said: "The meeting was very constructive, and by convening all parties at the train station I was able to visually demonstrate the issues that have been raised. It also allowed all present to gain a perspective of what needs to happen to provide relief in the short term when the parking squeeze occurs once the Metrolink works start ."

"I am pleased that there will now be some action taken and also reassured by the GMPTE that they are still looking to provide additional park and ride spaces ."

"Finally, I have been informed by the GMPTE that they will continue to work with the council to develop a full and comprehensive plan on the Metrolink works schedule and implications. I have also accepted an invitation from their lead on the Metrolink to attend a monthly briefing, so I am aware of the ongoing timeframe and any issues. I will be joined at these briefings by Councillor Liz Thirsk, who will be there as the Portfolio holder for highways and transport.”