St Martin’s View residents remain frustrated with play area

Date published: 09 January 2019

Residents of St Martin’s View continue to remain frustrated almost a year after concerns were raised about the play area near the Ark Royal area of the estate.

• www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/116969/play-area-at-st-martins-view

One resident branded the area “an utter disgrace” as it “has been left looking like a complete bombsite” due to metal fencing and litter lying on the floor.

She said: “It was decided by Barratt that rather than build a park or play area, which they have built on all of their other developments in Rochdale, they would build a 'nature trail' without informing any of the residents.

“Their reasons for the change is to prevent anti-social behaviour and teenagers gathering, however, this has had the complete opposite effect.

“The canal wall has still not been built, the metal fencing remains lying on the floor and there is litter everywhere.

“I've filed complaint after complaint and Barratt never do anything about it.”

A spokesperson for Barratt Homes Manchester said: “We have installed a ‘trim trail’ play area on the public open space at St Martin’s View. This was agreed with Rochdale Council as it is less likely to produce anti-social behaviour and is part of the planning conditions for the development.

“Due to the presence of rare algae in the canal we are awaiting consent from Natural England to commence the work to the canal wall. The temporary fencing will be removed once this is complete and we will ensure this area is tidied and regularly maintained.”