Support gathers pace for ‘Rochdale Riviera’

Photo: Margaret Curry

The River Roch uncovered in the Town Centre in 1996

Support for the Council’s bid to re-open the River Roch in Rochdale town centre is gathering pace.

Last week we declared our support for the project and through an online poll we encouraged our readers to do the same.

So far, 95 people have voted in our poll. Of those a staggering 89 said that they support the idea of opening up the river, whilst just six people said they don’t support the idea.

Rochdale Online readers have commented on the idea:

Rosemary Le Monnier said: “Bring it on I say and let’s be different. There is so much talent in Rochdale so let’s show off the positive side and stop being so negative.”

Julie Simpson added: “I haven't been this pleased or excited about any of the regeneration projects in Rochdale. I LOVE IT!”

Dawn Chipchase said: “It’s the best idea I’ve heard about Rochdale regeneration. 

“Rochdale does have some outstanding buildings, and to try to be different with features such as a town centre river rather than trying to compete against Bury and Oldham is the way forward.”

Christina Wood said: “There was a lot of work done on the bridges several years ago, it should have been done then, but fully support the idea.”

Commenting on our news story, Ishmael said: “Unless we get something like this, Rochdale town centre will remain a dead, depressing place to visit and people will continue to leave town to go to Bury, Manchester and the planned new centre at Oldham. This really could put the heart back in Rochdale. Go for it!”

However, not everybody agrees with the idea.

Dave Fenton described the idea as a “waste of money and Janey Miller said that “Rochdale is a dump.”

A poster from The Friends of Roch Valley, said: “Opening the river at the town centre is a great idea for Rochdale, but not so good for anywhere downstream.
The amount of rubbish which is strewn on the banks of the Roch as it runs through Roch Valley in Heywood is an absolute disgrace. 

“Before spending all that money opening the river in Rochdale it should be spent on some form of net to catch all the rubbish which the good people of Rochdale send down to us.”

Do you support the idea to open up the River Roch in Rochdale town centre?

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/67800/show-your-support-for-the-rochdale-riviera