Land to be made useable again after RBH intervene following residents upset

Cedar Lane Park land overgrown, with parts of the grass reaching knee level in some places.

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After local residents described Cedar Lane Park as a “joke,” Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) has stepped in to make the land usable again.

Local residents commented to Councillor Andy Kelly that the land was overgrown, with parts of the grass reaching knee level in some places.

Speaking to Rochdale Online, Councillor Kelly said: “It’s RBH land that was maintained until April by Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council, whereas RBH now manage it in house. Only it appears that RBH don't have a mower small enough to get through the gates! Bizarrely the solution they have come up with is to remove a gate!

“I have been assured that it will be cut today (Monday 22 June) and strimmed again on Wednesday.

“Aside from that, this is a very well used area that has been out of action for a number of weeks and it's unfair that local people should suffer through poor planning.”

Peter Bamford, RBH Caretaking and Grounds Maintenance Manager, said: “The grass at Cedar Lane Park was cut today (Monday 22 June) and will be strimmed later in the week followed by a further cut. From this week, Cedar Lane Park will be part of the regular RBH maintenance rota and will receive a cut every 10-15 days during the summer season, depending on weather conditions.

“The new RBH grounds maintenance team took on responsibility for RBH-owned land in April 2015 following the conclusion of the previous agreement with Rochdale Council.

"Maintenance on Cedar Lane Park has been delayed by access issues. New double-gates were installed on Friday 19 June to allow us to access the land; we hope that residents are satisfied with the work carried out this week and we are committed to maintaining this land at the high standard that RBH tenants expect.”