Businesses concerned about derelict properties

The building once home to Azad's Video

Several business people from Manchester Road premises raised concern about the condition of the demolished ex Cooperative, latterly Azids Video store at the Castleton Forum held on Tuesday (12 May).

The site which had planning permission for a mixed construction of shops and flats is now out of that planning consent and has become increasingly derelict and in one person's judgement a danger to adjoining buildings and the general public, with the footpath showing signs of subsidence.

Concern was also raised on other buildings on Manchester Road, a gateway to Rochdale, including the George and Dragon building, empty for over 10 years, the old Castleton 'Old Peoples Home', closed for many years and the Junction pub.

Councillor Billy Sheerin and Councillor Jean Hornby expressed their frustration with the system which the Council is bound to use by law, which sees local decisions 'overturned' at central government level, with the council's legal department reluctant to challenge due to the current cuts in services.

All three Castleton councillors will meet with business owners from Manchester Road to try and put together an action plan to bring the landowner of the Cooperative site and the other buildings to explain their future plans.

Praise was given to the Clean Green Hit Team who have cleaned up the flower beds and the area in the centre of Castleton near the old Carnegie Library.

It was, however, reported by Councillor Sheerin that only a day later he had to remove litter, including bottles, from the flowerbeds. The Forum roundly condemned the thoughtless people who litter the village in this way.

New hanging basket holders have been erected and sponsors for a 'basket of flowers' are requested as again the council cannot fund the ongoing maintenance of planters and baskets.

Last year Castleton in Bloom won a silver gilt award and anyone who feels they can assist the very small team with the planting and upkeep of the floral displays is requested to contact one of the councillors.

Crime reports

PC Michelle Farmer gave an extensive report on the police actions in Castleton over the last three months. It was reported that there has been a worrying increase in burglaries, especially in the Royle Road, Lawnswood, The Green and The Woods area.

These are opportunist crimes which are committed between the hours of 9am and 11am, meaning the criminals are 'watching' the habits of residents and using open windows and unlocked doors when the residents leave home.

The problem of cars exceeding the speed limit on Royle Road and on Keswick Street, which was brought up at the last forum meeting, led to several drivers 'clocked' for exceeding the speed limit and fined last month, the equipment used will be again made available in Castleton over the next few weeks in an attempt to make the safety of all in Castleton a priority.

Thefts from vehicles has also increased and the police again warn about leaving items in vehicles and strongly advise owners to have their number plates fitted with tamper proof screws.

A 'cannabis farm' was raided and closed thanks to intelligence gathered from residents in Castleton. The police stressed the importance of information, however small, to be reported to them.

Street surgeries, where people can speak to constables, will be held on Friday 15 May, at Meadway, 3.30pm to 4.30pm and Gypsy Lane, from 4.30pm to 5.30pm.

To contact Rochdale East police, which includes Castleton:

rochdaleeast@gmp.police.uk