Bamford Residents Can Finally Cross With Safety

1.51.04pm BST (GMT +0100) Sun 3rd May 2009

Councillors William Hobhouse and Andrew Abbott attempt to recreate the Beatles' Abbey Road album cover on the new Norden Road crossing with local residents.

The construction of a much-needed pedestrian crossing on a busy Bamford Road is now complete. Local residents called for a crossing because of the difficulties in getting to Bamford Primary School and local shops across the busy Norden Road. Local Councillors William Hobhouse and Andrew Abbott took up the issue 3 years ago and secured funding from the Rochdale Township for the traffic lights and crossing to be installed.

Commenting, William Hobhouse said:

"Residents approached me 3 years ago about the need for some sort of crossing because there are always lots of people around needing to cross over to and from the shops and school.

"Councillor Andrew Abbott and I took the issue to the Rochdale Township, which has £1 million to be spent on projects for local communities, and we managed to secure the funding necessary. I'm glad that local residents have now got the crossing that they have wanted and needed for many years."

Prospective MP for our area, Wera Hobhouse, added:

"I am extremely pleased to see that this crossing is now complete because I know it will be very helpful for local residents. It is another good example of the Council listening to local priorities and providing amenities that communities want and need.

"The Council is there to serve the people and should listen to local residents because they ultimately know what their area needs."