Local community investment totalling over £306,000 is being delivered across the borough following townships funding agreed by Rochdale Borough Council.
5 township committees; Heywood, Middleton, Rochdale North, Rochdale South and Pennines, allocate council funds, including grants for community projects, environmental and highway improvements, events and issues raised by residents.
The funding provides financial backing to projects and community groups that enhance the local area. In most cases, improvements are already under way or will be delivered in the coming weeks.
‘Making a real impact’
Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation said the investment of township funds really makes a difference:
“Our townships thrive on community spirit and this latest support showcases the breadth of work the council is championing to improve lives locally. We’re making a real impact, but there’s always more we can do, so please let us know your ideas for things that will benefit your local area.”
Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation.
Middleton Township is supporting the town’s Christmas lights switch on next month, as well as making public green space around Borrowdale Road more accessible with new entrances, improved drainage, signage and re-painting of barriers.
3 carved benches are being installed in Truffet Park this month, forming part of a new quiet area. Your Trust is being supported to deliver their popular ‘functional fitness’ courses aimed at residents who may be suffering with long-term health conditions. New fencing and handrails have been installed at Mayburn Close/York Road and waiting restrictions will be implemented on Langley Lane to improve visibility at its junction with Derwent Road.
One of 3 carved benches waiting to be installed in Truffet Park, forming part of a new quiet area.
A new archer silhouette has been installed on the roundabout between Middleton Way and Manchester Old Road to replace the existing one previously damaged by a vehicle. 4 new bollards are being installed on Compton Way, to prevent vehicles from parking on the footway and provide residents with unobstructed access to their properties.
Heywood Township will be funding the town’s Christmas light’s switch on in November.
Heywood Township funded last month’s Charities Fete at Queen’s Park and will be funding the town’s Christmas light’s switch on in November. Your Trust will be supported to deliver their functional fitness’ courses and a nature-themed mural will be painted on the wall at Queen’s Park Cafe. The Cherwell Avenue area will benefit from waiting restrictions to improve safety for both road users and pedestrians. Heywood Operatic and Dramatic Society are being supported to produce their HeyKids, Nativity The Musical at Middleton Arena this month. The township is also funding a feasibility study into the potential installation of traffic signals at the junction of Argyle Street and Pilsworth Road to help the flow of traffic in the area.
Pennines Township has funded improvements to the Stansfield open space play area in addition to uniforms for St Ann’s Morris Troupes. They also contributed towards the Breaking Barriers Elevation event staged at Blackstone Edge in August - an immersive journey along the scenic route above Rochdale using binaural sound, which creates an audio 3D effect, with walkers guided by voices of the past, present and future.
Rochdale North Township funded parking improvements in Trafalgar Square, creating more spaces and making the area more accessible. They funded a residential in August for 15 local children to the PGL adventure centre in Preston as well as new bollards on Bentley Street to prevent vehicles causing damage by driving onto verges. They also contributed towards improvements to Falinge Park play area to enhance the play experience for local toddlers with new equipment, upgrades to safety features and more inclusive play opportunities added. The Nigeria Community Association has received funds towards a upgrades to their premises and Rochdale Foodbank was supported with money to purchase supplies to donate.
Your Trust is being supported by all townships to deliver their popular 'functional fitness' courses aimed at residents who may be suffering with long-term health conditions.
A new security fence is being purchased for the 7th A Rochdale Scout Group and funds allocated to improvements at Denehurst Park by the local friends group. The youth organisation NextGen Pathways is being given financial support to run their support services for young people including sports, career support, community engagement and volunteering until February 2026.
Rochdale South Township has funded construction of a new path in Stoneyfield Park to create a circular walking route around the park, along with 2 new benches. A new toddlers play area will be installed on Lowerplace Playing Field and a large planter installed on the Crawford Street car park to enhance the visual appeal of the site.
Further investment includes upgrading a footpath in Roch Valley that links Bamford to Springfield Park is being upgraded to make it more user friendly and, in addition, traffic calming measures are installed on Moorside, following concerns from residents that the 20mph limit is being ignored and the route being used a ‘rat run.’ They too are supporting Rochdale Foodbank.