Local community projects receive £157,000 from townships funding

More local community groups and projects across the borough will benefit from funding totalling £157,710 following another round of townships funding agreed by Rochdale Borough Council.

Five township committees; Heywood, Middleton, Rochdale North, Rochdale South and Pennines allocate council funds, including grants for community projects, environmental and highway improvements, events and issues raised by residents that need tackling. Township Committee funding is designed to give financial backing to projects and community groups that will enhance their local areas.

In most cases, improvements will be delivered over the next three months.

Middleton Township is funding repairs to the Moonraker fountain in Middleton Gardens, new steps near to Sedgley Close and floodlights for the car park at Demesne Community Centre.

Pennines Township will provide funding for new fencing that will be installed around the bowling green in Milnrow Memorial Park. A new footway will be constructed on Todmorden Road as well as waiting restrictions funded on Halliwell Street.

 

 

The Branches Christian Fellowship foodbank and their other community services such as regular sessions for young people have been allocated funds for new furniture, shelving and other vital equipment. After concerns were raised by residents about speeding drivers in the Shore Road area of Littleborough, a speed survey will be carried out to examine the issue.

The committee is also providing funds for a defibrillator and alarmed cabinet at Wardle Bowling Club. A new community garden within Wardle Memorial Gardens has been created.

Upcoming investment from Heywood Township includes a traffic island and bollards on Green Lane at the junction of Ryecroft Avenue to prevent vehicles from parking and obstructing sight lines for drivers. They are also contributing towards the refurbishment of St Luke’s Church clock.

Traffic calming measures and a 20mph speed limit along Heywood Hall Road will get financial support as well as new furniture, kitchen equipment and marketing support for Darnhill Community Café. A trainee dance teacher programme for three local students supported by Kat’s Dance Academy and an investigation into options available to address the issue of Wilton Street being used as a ‘rat run’ by motorists will also receive funding.

Rochdale North Township is funding a feasibility study into a resident parking scheme around the Crown Oil Arena as well as supporting indoor cricket sessions for Rochdale Stars. Lane and footpath resurfacing will be carried out from Ashbourne Street to Lower Jowkin Lane to improve pedestrian access. A garden of remembrance will be created at St Paul’s Church in Norden.

 

 

Rochdale South Township has agreed to fund a mini masterplan for the Oulder Hill shops parade and the surrounding residential area that will look at ways to better manage vehicle and pedestrian access. Christmas tree lights will be installed on an existing pine tree in Sudden at the Manchester Road junction next year, and kerbs will be dropped on Queensway and on Great Gates Road to improve pedestrian access. Traffic calming measures will be introduced on Darlington Road and repairs and new equipment will be funded for Thornham Cricket Club.

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation, said she was pleased more township funding is being invested in such worthwhile projects: “This latest round of township funding will help deliver a variety of projects that improve the quality of life for our communities and make a real difference.

“The money means more local issues can be addressed, new projects can be supported and existing ones continue to run. Thank you to everyone who will be working so hard to deliver all this in the coming months and remember, we need you to get involved and let us know your ideas for things that will benefit your local area, the more people that get involved, the more the council can do.”