Progress made on Kingsway hotspots

Councillor Dale Mulgrew and Paul Rowen pointing out the mess on Lower Lane, in April

Plans have been put in place to resolve fly tipping and anti social problems on the boundary of Kingsway Business Park.

In April, Rochdale Online reported concerns raised by Councillor Dale Mulgrew, in particular the issues at the Lower Lane site, off Broad Lane.

Since then Councillor Mulgrew has held a meeting with members of the community to discuss solutions to the problems. It was concluded that more signage is needed for the casual visitor to Lower Lane, but for frequent visitors there needs to be a more robust solution to prevent access to the site. Concerns regarding illegal behaviour were also highlighted.

The Highways department and the Rochdale Development Agency are now progressing on the proposed measures.

Councillor Mulgrew said: "I am satisfied that there are now possible solutions on the table for the hotspots associated with Kingsway business park. I know that the Lower Lane site continues to be subject to such issues, although the authorities responsible are responding and cleaning the area on a routine basis."

"However, the source of the problem needs to be addressed. Clearly this is the ease of access for motorists and this needs to be looked into if the situation is not to fester on."

Councillor Mulgrew added: "I am pleased to hear also that the Council's Highways dept and the RDA have responded positively to the solutions that have been proposed from the public meeting I organised. I now expect to see movement towards ensuring that these suggested solutions are implemented in the foreseeable future."

A spokesperson for the Kingsway Partnership, said: “The Kingsway Partnership has recognised and responded to the issues raised by Councillor Mulgrew. The Council, RDA and police have continued to work together to support the business park estate manager in addressing problems that have arisen.

“Closing some access points to vehicular traffic such as Lower Lane, Buckley Hill Lane and Stiups Lane is progressing. Representatives from the RDA, the Developer and Estate Manager met the council and police earlier this month to discuss the ongoing issues of anti social activity on site and to specifically to progress the ‘stopping up’ process.

“There are plans for consultation with local residents affected and funding will need to be agreed with all parties to carry out any eventual works, but progress is being made.
“Fly tipping has been removed by the estate management team on a regular basis including rubbish left by travellers, which has cost the Management Company over £10,000 to date. Considerable fencing earth works have been completed recently to reduce the risk of further travellers’ incursions.

“Security cover has also been increased to counter other criminal activity on site, including joy riding.”

The spokesperson concluded: “The Kingsway Partnership is more than happy to work with others and use its best endeavours to anticipate issues and respond to problems as they arise.”