A woman from Littleborough got so annoyed by construction workers that she used her car to block their path onto the building site.
Carran O’Grady reached boiling point on Monday (April 20) after the front of her house on Hollingworth Road was left covered in dust. Her fury came after she saw numerous trucks traipsing in and out of the building site across the road from her house.
She claims the trucks left her car, front windows and porch covered in ‘dust’ and ‘filth’. This led her to take her car and block construction wagons from getting on the site, triggering queues of traffic along Hollingworth Road.
Last year planning permission was granted to build the controversial 309-home residential development opposite Rochdale’s ‘jewel in the crown’ – Hollingworth Lake. Although Carran wasn’t opposed to the new homes, the recent construction activity from Bloor Homes’ workers left her with no choice but to take action.
She claimed ‘this was the only way to be heard by the site manager’. Bloor Homes have since been in contact with Carran to make amends for the mess and upset caused.
The 61-year-old said: “I have not objected to the development but I just want respect for where I live. The cars, doors and windows were covered in dust.
“The guy from Bloor had given me assurances. They’ve been doing work but on Monday things went up a gear. My car is still filthy.
“I am really disappointed as I tried to be polite. All I asked is that we are consulted about what is happening.
“I drove down and parked where I shouldn’t have. Someone came out and said it’s up to the council to clean up – they were not recognising the issue.
“If they come and clean up our windows that is fine. This is on a daily basis and it isn’t acceptable.
“It wasn’t just dust. There were rocks coming off vehicles. They could’ve come off and hit a car.”
Carran has lived in her home on Hollingworth Road since 2003. She works from home the majority of the time and sees all the comings and goings across the road.
The mum-of-two fears that if people of Littleborough don’t take a stand against this sort of problem now, they could suffer as more building projects come to the town in future years.
She says she just wants the neighbours of the site to be respected by the developers.
Local councillor Tom Besford has been in touch with Bloor Homes to try and reach an agreement over the dirt created by the construction vehicles. He says the developer is looking into ways to ensure rubbish from the site won’t be spread along Hollingworth Road.
The Littleborough Lakeside representative said: “Bloor are going to be our neighbours for a long time. It’s essential that they show appropriate care and respect to our community.
“I and the other councillors will continue to keep a close eye on works as they progress and will represent residents’ views as best we can to both the developer and the council’s enforcement team.”
Bloor Homes has been contacted for comment.
Rochdale promoted to the Football League after Wembley penalty shootout win
Paul Waugh says Rochdale have put town in national spotlight ahead of Wembley trip
Alex and James raise more than £51,000 for Springhill Hospice from Run
RECAP: Follow Rochdale AFC’s Wembley journey against Boreham Wood
Three more days of strikes next week at St Cuthberts High School
Reform UK surge in Bolton as seismic shift sees council leader lose his seat
Oldham councillor’s car damaged during election count in town centre
Oldham Council investigates ballot paper error after votes disqualified in Waterhead
Rochdale Town Hall wins four major RIBA awards in landmark moment for borough regeneration
Prison Officers’ Association office renamed in tribute to former deputy general secretary Joe Simpson
Oldham Active REACH programme marks 20 years supporting recovery through exercise
Fair to celebrate Rochdale as birthplace of co-operative movement
Comments
Add a comment