Local Community projects in Rochdale get funding boost

More local community investment totalling over £220,000 will be delivered across the borough this autumn following the latest 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 addressing. 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 traffic calming measures on Windemere Road/Bowness Road. The town’s Christmas lights switch on event will also be funded along with financial support for Middleton Scarefest in October. A children’s play area is being created in Alkrington, and Jubilee Park will be getting a new landmark feature. Stanycliffe Social Centre play groups will receive funds to revamp their resources and the southern boundary of Tonge Field is going to be restored. Money has been allocated to provide inclusive cycling sessions around Bowlee Community Park. Waiting restrictions will be installed on Rochdale Road and Nowell Road/Nowell Court, as well as dropped kerbs in the Boardman Lane area.  

Pennines Township is providing financial support to five scouts to attend the 25th World Scout Jamboree in South Korea in 2023 as part of the UK contingent.  Friends of the Pennine Moors are to receive funding to address the issue of off road bike nuisance in the area. After concerns were raised from residents about speeding drivers in the Shore Road area of Littleborough, a speed survey will be carried out to examine the issue and the suitable measures needed.  

Upcoming investment in Heywood Township includes the Remembrance Sunday event, the Christmas Lights Switch On and the Heywood Charities Fete on 4 September. Heywood 1940’s Day has also been allocated funding for next year’s event and Heywood Operatic and Dramatic Society will receive funds to help stage the musical ‘Oliver’. Colourful Minds, a not-for-profit group that provides support for parents and carers of children with special educational needs, has been awarded money for staff training and new equipment. There will also be a speed survey carried out on Coronation Avenue.

Rochdale North Township will fund a new 20 mph zone and traffic calming measures in the Edward Street, Sheriff Street, Spotland Road and Falinge Road area. Spotland Methodist Church Childminder Group is set to receive support for their engagement sessions and a defibrillator will be purchased for St Mary’s in the Baum. Vintage Worx in Falinge has been awarded funds for a biodiversity project in its sun garden and Friends of Denehurst Park will receive funds for the planting of new trees. The Al-Abbas Institute has received support to deliver personal, social, health and wellbeing workshops, and waiting restrictions on Moorland Terrace have been given the go ahead.

Rochdale South Township has agreed to fund improvements to the mere at Springfield Park. Waiting restrictions on Buttercup Drive, Springbank Lane and Norden will also be installed along with traffic calming measures along Darlington Road. Punjab Cricket Club get support for their Pakistan Day Cricket Competition.

Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation, said township funding does so much good across the borough: “I’m pleased to announce this latest round of funding that will help deliver a huge variety of projects that improve the quality of life for our communities.

"By funding projects in local areas the council is delivering real benefits for residents on their doorstep. Townships do their best to help but remember we need you to get involved and let us know your ideas, the more people that get involved, the more the council can do.  

"I also want to thank all those who spent time submitting applications and our officers and councillors who have carefully reviewed applications to ensure awards achieve the best possible benefit for our residents.”