Edenfield Road retaining wall works completed

Residents, officers from the Impact Partnership, the Director of Bethel, members of the workforce and Councillor Metcalfe stood in front of the new wall.

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Retaining wall works on Edenfield Road have now finished following months of work.

The old retaining wall, thought to have been built around the early 1900s, was nearing the end of its lifespan.

An engineer from Rochdale Borough Council's Impact Partnership said: The state of the wall was such that it did not have any parapet above the road to prevent vehicles from leaving the carriageway in the event of an incident. The size of the drop into the adjacent field was sufficient to potentially result in serious injury if this did happen."

"The wall supporting the verge and carriageway was also in a very poor condition and had collapsed in various locations. Ultimately this would have led to the verge and eventually the road becoming unstable."

"The new wall has been designed to meet all current standards and consists of a reinforced concrete section supporting the ground, with a masonry parapet to absorb the impact of any errant vehicles. The design life of the wall is 120 years."

Norden Councillor, Ann Metcalfe, said: “As a local resident and Councillor for our ward of Norden I along with many others wish to congratulate the team of workers who have been involved and connected with this long going project.

“So many people have made positive comments to me on the wonderful end product.

“The men have worked through some of the worst weather experienced up here on the hills above Rochdale for many years.

“They have kept the site and working area clean and tidy with as little disruption to traffic and users ensuring safety at all times.”

Councillor Metcalfe, added: “We now have a new and highly remarkable landmark which creates an appropriate gateway from the rural environs of the moorland into the built up areas of our villages and town of Rochdale.

“It is reassuring to witness the skills of craftsmen who were responsible for the building of this wall. This is a legacy well worth inheriting and respecting for our future generations.”