Middleton road made safer as new pedestrian crossing opens near primary school

Tuesday, 17 June 2025 16:25

By David Murphy

A new pedestrian crossing has opened on one of Middleton’s busiest roads in a major win for safety and local schoolchildren.

A new crossing has been installed on Oldham Road near Warwick Mill, part of a boroughwide project to make it safer for people to get around on foot.

Funded by Transport for Greater Manchester, the scheme will see new pedestrian crossings created in each township across the borough. The one in Middleton is already making a difference.

Staff and pupils at St Peter’s RC Primary School say it’s changed how they get to Middleton Arena for swimming lessons. Headteacher Joanne Clinch said they used to hire a coach because they didn’t feel safe walking an entire class down the road.

“This road is incredibly busy. This crossing means we can all walk together. It gets the children fresh air, exercise, and it saves money on coach hire,” she said.

“It’s also helping our year six children learn independence before they move to secondary school. We’re delighted with it.”

Councillor Shah Wazir, cabinet member for highways at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “Our roads are for everyone, pedestrians, wheelchair users, cyclists, parents with prams. If people don’t feel safe, they’re less likely to get out and about, which can be isolating.”

He said the new crossing will help residents safely reach everything Middleton town centre has to offer, from shops to swimming classes.

St Peter’s pupil Ava Forster, aged 10, said: “This is easier for children to cross the road than at other junctions. It’s a much safer route for young people and cyclists.”

It’s the second crossing of its kind to be completed, following another on Shawclough Road near Healey Dell. A third is under construction on Halifax Road near Smithy Bridge. More crossings are coming soon to Kirkholt and Heywood.