Playground will finally be built

Friday, 25 July 2025 16:32

By George Lythgoe

A playground will finally be built in Alkrington after years of arguments and a political spat.

The suburb, on the edge of Middleton, had seen a number of playgrounds close down in recent years. But when it came time to decide where to build a new one, squabbles between politicians and locals over the most suitable spot dragged the process out for years.

In May, it appeared the matter had finally been settled when Rochdale council’s township committee in Middleton approved funding of £84,840 for the new playground on a field off Mainway and Moss Lane.

The money was to go towards paths, fencing, swings, see-saws and other play equipment. But before spades could be put in the ground, two Middleton Independent Party (MIP) politicians called in the decision.

‘Calling in’ a decision opens up the matter for further scrutiny if politicians feel there is an issue that hasn’t properly been addressed.

The fate of the playground was left in the hands of Rochdale Council’s Communities, Regeneration and Environment Overview and Scrutiny Committee – who upheld the decision to build on the field off Mainway and Moss Lane.

Coun Tom Besford, chair of the committee, said: “This was the most diligently considered playground I’ve ever seen – five years of meetings, two consultations, and even a mining survey for a children’s play area in an identified area of need.”

The new playground will be delivered as soon as possible, according to councillors. The Middleton councillors are delighted by the latest decision, despite it coming later than they would’ve liked.

Coun June West, chair of Middleton Township Committee, said: “I’m delighted that the scrutiny committee upheld our decision. This playground has widespread support across Alkrington, and it’s within easy walking distance for families – exactly the kind of local provision we should be championing.”

Coun Peter Williams, vice chair of Middleton Township Committee, added: “Generations of children have missed out on safe, accessible play facilities in this part of Alkrington. This is a basic right – and it’s disappointing that it has taken so long to get here.”

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something happening in our Borough?

Let us know by emailing newsdesk@rochvalleyradio.com

All contact will be treated in confidence.

More from Local News

Seven Sisters tenants reaction to the news they could soon be removed

Billy Jackson has called Rochdale’s Seven Sisters home for 40 years. But shock decision means 2025 will be his final year in the iconic tower blocks.
Festive magic arrives in Bury as North Pole Safari Trail transforms town centre

Free augmented reality trail, festive lights switch-on and family events launch Christmas celebrations in Bury
Replacement mosque plans approved despite concerns about parking

Plans to knock down and rebuild a mosque in Prestwich have been approved despite a 1,630 person petition opposing it.
Andy Burnham ‘taken aback’ by decision to move hundreds out of Seven Sisters towers

Andy Burnham was ‘taken aback’ by a decision to clear Rochdale’s iconic ‘Seven Sisters’ tower blocks, forcing hundreds from their homes.
Nine-bed HMO built ‘without permission’ discovered after neighbours complain

Council enforcement officers discovered a nine-bed HMO had been created without permission after a complaint from neighbours, councillors have heard.
Rochdale’s music legacy takes centre stage with iconic Cargo Studios reunion

Rochdale’s rich musical heritage was centre stage at a packed launch event marking the beginning of a new borough-wide celebration called ‘Rochdale Music Stories’, featuring big names like Peter Hook, Clint Boon and Andy McCluskey.
Naked man stops traffic on Rochdale Road in Bury in shocking mid-morning incident

A naked man caused disruption on a busy Bury road on Wednesday morning, swatting at cars and attempting to open vehicle doors before being detained and taken to hospital.
Seven Sisters tower blocks to be emptied over safety concerns

Residents of the iconic tower blocks that have dominated the skyline of Rochdale since the 1960s have been told they will be evicted due to safety concerns.
Culture Co-op secures £1 million to give Rochdale residents more say over arts and creativity

Rochdale’s Culture Co-op has been awarded £1 million to put local people at the heart of cultural decision-making, as part of a £42 million national programme run by Arts Council England.
Hollin pupils turn happiness into poetry during magical session in Middleton

Middleton Library plays host to spellbinding session with Rochdale’s poet laureate Sammy Weaver
Waugh presses government to ensure grooming inquiry tackles race and class ‘head on’

Rochdale MP Paul Waugh says national grooming inquiry must win survivors’ trust and 'follow the evidence wherever it leads’
Goodbye garlic bread? Sandbrook Park Pizza Hut to shut as 68 UK branches axed

Rochdale’s Pizza Hut restaurant is among dozens of UK branches set to permanently shut, after the company that operated the brand in the UK fell into administration.