‘They dug up the pavement and then didn’t put the flag stones back’

Wednesday, 30 April 2025 21:35

By Chris Gee

A utility company has pledged to restore a pavement after residents were left outraged by the state it was left after recent roadworks. Those living on a stretch of Bolton Road West in Ramsbottom were alarmed pavement stones which had been removed were not put back in place after Electricity North West (ENW) seemingly completed work outside their homes.

There were also complaints that temporary traffic lights controlling vehicles during the project failed on several occasions, causing ‘chaos’ and even longer delays for motorists on one the main routes in and out of the town. After being contacted by the Local Democracy Reporting Service about the work Electricity North West said the pavement was a ‘temporary reinstatement’ and said that they were working with Bury Council towards a ‘permanent reinstatement’.

Ramsbottom councillor Gareth Staples-Jones said he was appalled at the appearance of the pavement after the work. He said: “They dug up the pavement but didn’t put the flag stones back.

“I have spoke with our lead highways engineering officer about the dire state Electricity North West have left the pavement. “Not only did their lights fail multiple occasions causing chaos, but they’ve removed paving slabs, and done a shoddy job with a bit of tarmac.

“It’s absolutely dreadful work, done for the lowest price by a company taking in hundreds of millions a year. “I want the paving slabs reinstated properly and have told our officers to say as much to ENW.”

Julie Parkes, 49, lives on the affected stretch of Bolton Road West, said: “At one point my husband saw them loading the paving stones they had dug up on to a truck and he ‘said we’ll never see them again, they’re just going to patch over it’.

“It did cause a lot of disruption, at one point we couldn’t access our property from the front as there was a big hole. “We weren’t told that it was a temporary measure so I’m relieved that they have now said they will return the pavement to its previous state.”

Another Bolton Road West resident, a 55-year-old man, said: “It looks a right mess doesn’t it? “All of us thought that was it and they were leaving it as it is.

“If they’re saying it’s temporary why go to all the trouble of finishing it like that. Why not just put the paving stones back as they were?

“People have pride in where they live around here so it has caused some upset.”

A spokesperson for Electricity North West said: “As is standard practice, this is a temporary reinstatement which allowed us to re-open both the footpathand road much quicker to reduce disruption.

“We are continuing to work with the local authorities to complete a permanent reinstatement.”

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

Uber strike planned

Uber drivers going on strike this week claim they’re ‘hanging by a thread’ after the company confirmed it takes nearly half of some fares.
Retail and business park about to expand

One of Rochdale’s biggest industrial and retail parks is about to get even bigger.
Demolition of six apartment blocks confirmed

Six apartment blocks in Rochdale will be demolished after sitting empty for years.
Work to repair overhead Metrolink power lines now complete

Following damage to overhead Metrolink lines in Manchester City Centre, near to the Deansgate-Castlefield stop earlier today, repairs have now been completed and services will be resuming as normal on Wednesday morning.
£12,000 spring boost for Springhill Hospice through national recycling scheme

A Rochdale hospice has received a £12,000 donation raised through a national metal recycling initiative that transforms residual materials from cremations into funds for good causes.
Rochdale tragedy shows the dangers of social media speculation

The tragic death of a six-year-old girl following a collision in Rochdale has rightly shocked the community.
Another six people fined for fly-tipping and littering in Bury

Six individuals have been fined for waste-related offences on the streets of Bury during April, as part of the council’s ongoing efforts to tackle fly-tipping and littering.
Policing operation working with businesses to tackle retail crime and anti-social behaviour in Rochdale Town Centre

A new policing initiative, Operation Tetbury, has been launched to tackle retail crime and anti-social behaviour in Rochdale town centre.
Investigation into firearm offences sees two men jailed

During the investigation in 2024, Pelikan had been identified making his way from Manchester to Bradford, attending a business premises known for supplying blank-firing firearms and weapons.
Kirkholt residents urged to vote in local byelection and this is how voting works

Residents of Kirkholt are being reminded that a local byelection will take place on Thursday 1 May, and they are being encouraged to get out and vote.
Hundreds of new homes and industrial space scheme tabled

Hundreds of new houses, new public green space and 140,440sq ft of employment floorspace has all been earmarked in a massive redevelopment scheme.
‘Prestige’ restaurant set to open in converted ‘engine shed’ next to heritage railway

A historic engine shed building close to a heritage train line has been granted licence to operate as a railway themed restaurant. A council hearing heard an application sell alcohol at a new venture at the former railway goods shed on Rowlands Road, Summerseat, next to the Bury to Rawtenstall East Lancashire railway.