Anger at 'dangerous' fence removal

Reporter: Kirsty Rigg
Date online: 22 May 2009

A dangerous “16-foot” drop has been exposed near a school – after the council removed a fence for a cleaning campaign.

Rochdale Borough Council removed the fence on Queens Park Road, Heywood, as part of The Big Clean, leaving a steep drop between St Michaels School and the nearest car park.

But despite previous enquiries from Labour Leader, Councillor Colin Lambert, the drop is still there - a year and a half later.

Councillor Lambert said he is “furious” with the negligence of the council, urges immediate action before a child is hurt.

He said: “When is Rochdale Borough Council going to put the safety of children high on their list of priorities?

“Despite several enquiries nothing has been done to replace the fence. Between the bridge and the school entrance fencing has 17 access points with a drop of up to 16 feet unprotected.

“What is left of the fence is in a dangerous condition.

"Trees have been cut down so the fence can be repaired, but then nothing has happened.”

Since Rochdale Online News contacted Rochdale Borough Council, a statement has been made that the fence will be fixed next month.

Rochdale Borough Council’s Street Service Manger, Mick Ripley said: “We have removed a section of fencing at the top of Queens Park Road by St. Michael’s school to carry out some repair work as part of this year’s Big Clean.

“Some of the fencing was badly damaged and needed replacing and we also needed to cut out some overgrown trees that were protruding onto the pavement. This tree felling has meant we cannot install the new fencing straight away.

“New fencing has been ordered and will be fitted next month.”