Worry that store closure could lead to access issues

The possible closure of TJ Hughes in the Wheatsheaf Centre will lead to serious access issues affecting the town’s main Library, bus station and public toilets according to the Liberal Democrat’s Deputy Leader, Councillor Zulfiqar Ali.

TJ Hughes went into administration at the start of the month, leaving 4,000 jobs nationwide, including those in Rochdale, at risk as it teeters on the brink of total collapse. 

Councillor Ali, said: “T J Hughes store is used by literally hundreds of people every day as a walk way through to both the Library and the escalators leading to the Bus Station. If this is lost then there will be severe access issues to both.

“Library users will be faced with going via the Baillie Street Footbridge to gain entry, whilst people wanting to catch a bus will have a long walk round to the Bus station, this will be particularly problematic especially for the elderly and disabled within the Town.” 

Councillor Ali is also worried that the other stores in the Wheatsheaf Centre and the stores at the top of Yorkshire Street will suffer if direct access from the Bus Station is restricted. 

He said: “These businesses will be badly hit if all shoppers are forced to enter Yorkshire Street from the bottom. At present people use the bus station escalators, cut through TJ’s and meander down doing their shopping on the way back to the buses.

“No-one is going to walk up the hill and then back down laden with bags. The Council must act to ensure immediate steps are taken to ensure through access is available to the public once the store closes.”

Rochdale Online asked shoppers if they are concerned.

Shopper Irene Wilson said: “I can’t see it causing too much bother but I do understand the concern.

“At the end of the day if people want to visit the shops they will regardless of what way they get there.”

Emma Little said: “Having to walk up Yorkshire Street wouldn’t stop me from visiting the shops; that’s the way I go most of the time anyway.”

Andrew Gough agreed with Councillor Ali’s concerns, he said: “It is a worry, particularly for the elderly, I hope the authority can do something to prevent any access problems.”

Cheryl Law added: “It is only a short cut; I don’t think it will become a problem.”