Rate relief for traders affected by Metrolink works

Businesses affected by works to bring Metrolink to Rochdale are being offered relief from their rates by Rochdale Council.

Application forms for this discretionary assistance have been distributed to 56 businesses who may qualify for the help and they have until the end of January to return them to the council.

The support is for businesses along Drake Street, Oldham Road and Maclure Road whose trade has been disrupted as a result of road closures to allow major works to divert utilities away from the route of the Metrolink line to take place.

Work to lay track, erect overhead power columns and lay new footpaths is due to start soon and continue throughout the year meaning that works will have been taking place for up to 22 months over a 24 month period.

In recognition of the effect this has had, the council is offering full rates relief for eligible traders from April 2011 to the end of 2012.

Metrolink is expected to arrive in the borough this year and to Rochdale town centre in 2014. It is just one of several major projects set to transform the town centre including a new library, customer access and council office building, a striking new transport interchange, a state-of-the-art leisure centre and a retail and leisure development.