Community projects to benefit from unspent council cash

Community projects across Rochdale could soon benefit to the tune of £120,000 thanks to unspent council money acquired from developers during planning procedures.

The council’s unallocated Section 106 funds – money which is ring-fenced for public projects – totalled £118,120 as of November 2014 and its use is to be discussed at a Rochdale Township Committee meeting on Wednesday 7 January.

More than £3,000 is already set to be used for the improvement of Castleton Station. Parks and play areas in Milkstone and Deeplish may also benefit from the cash.

A council report also states a further £238,000 has been collected following the sale of land at Waithlands, money which will also be spent on improving public open space in Rochdale Township.

Among the other potential projects are river erosion improvements at Healey Dell totalling £3,200. Healey residents have also requested funds for a fence to be erected around Cronkeyshaw Common, which has had problems with unauthorised occupation by travellers.

The parks in Milkstone and Deeplish which could be improved with the cash include Pioneer Park, Hare Street play area and Sparth Community Centre play area.