People power postpones sale of land

A meeting of the Rochdale Township Committee at Number One Riverside was packed with residents on Wednesday (4 March) as they made a bid to stop the disposal of land at Cut Lane/Caldershaw Road. Residents asked councillors to reconsider the plans to dispose of the land.

Speaking on behalf of the residents, Mark Thompson said: “This is a unique site and if I didn’t think that it was a mad idea to develop on this land, then I wouldn’t be here. People are passionate about this land.

“You don’t have to do this. This is about a national government agenda. Don’t give into government pressures. Stand up for local government and local councils and don’t agree to sell this land.”

A report to councillors on the committee recommended approval for the release of and disposal of the surplus land at Cut Lane/Caldersahw Road but due to the response from the general public, councillors held off on making a decision until a site visit has taken place.

Councillor Cecile Biant said: “I think we should postpone any decision on this site until a site visit has been made and we have considered all of the objections.”

Councillor Farooq Ahmed said: “You can’t put a price on community spirit and values and that is important. We need to review how we are disposing of these so called ‘surplus’ sites.”

The sale of land on Swift Road was also postponed yesterday following a plea from residents.

It is understood that a site on Swift Road, which is known as a village green to local residents, has been put up for sale without public consultation. Residents also asked councillors to reconsider their decision and make a site visit.

Janice Arden said: “The village green has been used for over 20 years and is still being used to this day by children and adults. The nearest park is over two miles away and over a busy road. The village green has always been a safe place to play without the need for supervision.

"The sale of this may be a short term gain for the developers but it will a devastating loss to the residents.”

Councillors agreed to visit both sites before any decisions are made.