Many constituents have contacted me regarding plans to create a brand new cycle lane in Castleton which have been proposed by Rochdale Council.
Constituents have shared their concerns with me about the £1.2m proposal, to create a new lane stretching from Castleton railway station to the Royal Toby Hotel.
Under the proposals, parking on both sides of Manchester Road will be removed and waiting restrictions will be altered to keep the cycleways clear.
Under the current plans, the council is proposing to create a 32 space car park on brownfield land next to Castleton railway station to support those travelling by train and to replace the roadside parking lost. However, concerned residents have told me that whilst this may serve commuters heading to Rochdale it will leave Castleton without parking where local people need it.
Changes at Royle Barn Road/Manchester Road and Nixon Street/Manchester Road are also proposed to include dedicated cycling space. But local people have raised concerns about the volume of HGV traffic that uses this area. They are extremely worried that the cycle lane will narrow the road making these vehicles even more dangerous.
Parents have told me that they are worried about being able to drop children off safely at the local primary school and independent retailers whom I met with feel that their businesses will be devastated when parking is stripped away to make way for cyclists who are few and far between.
The plan has had the backing of Castleton’s Labour Councillor Billy Sheering along with Rochdale’s Labour Cabinet Member for Quality of Place Councillor Neil Emmott, who said: “This is the important first phase of a fantastic scheme which will eventually see the lane extended into Rochdale town centre.”
Constituents that I have spoken to remain unconvinced and feel that this is another example of the Rochdale Labour Party looking after Rochdale Town Centre at the expense of other local communities like Castleton.
So I want to hear your views on this project what do you think and how will Rochdale Councils plans affect you? You can let me know by completing my Castleton Cycle Lane Survey at the following link:
Click here to share your views on Rochdale council's plan for a Castleton Cycle Lane
Your answers will help me bring local views and the concerns of constituents to the attention of Rochdale council before this plan is voted or approved.
