Work to begin on Smith Street crossing

Work will begin on a pedestrian crossing at Smith Street in Rochdale town centre from 1 April.

The announcement, by Mark Widdup, Director of Economy and Environment at Rochdale Council, at the Pennine Township Committee came after concerns were raised by Councillor Allen Brett regarding the town centre redevelopment plans.

Councillor Brett said: “Do we have to wait until someone is knocked down before we go ahead with a crossing on Smith Street?”

The council has agreed to the crossing after residents and local councillors raised issues surrounding the dangers of the area.

The delay in implementing the crossing has been due to issues as to were to locate the crossing.

Councillor Ashley Dearnley welcomed the plans for the crossing and said: “I am pleased to hear that a crossing will be put in place and I do think that this is something that should have been addressed from the beginning.”