Much-loved after school club that closed down suddenly to be demolished

A much-loved after school club in Oldham that closed down suddenly last year is now to be demolished.

The site of the former Royton After School Care Association (known as R.A.S.C.A.) is to be bulldozed and flogged off for a housing development, according to plans submitted by Oldham Council. 

The club, which first opened in 1977, shut its doors in July last year after the Old Nursery Building on Radcliffe Street was found to be unsafe and the managers were unable to find new premises.

Since then, the building has been vacant, attracting vandalism, litter, and other anti-social behaviour, according to a proposal submitted to town planners. 

A cover letter read: “The site has been subject to regular and persistent vandalism and arson attacks, with a recent fire causing a structurally unsafe inner section of the building.

"The building’s proximity to residential housing creates an immediate threat to the safety and well-being of nearby residents.” 

If approved, the single-storey brick structure with corrugated metal and concrete roofs would be soft-stripped before the structural demolition.

All unwanted materials, including rubbish and surplus demolition arisings, would be taken off-site to a licensed tip. 

Only the building foundation slab and the adjacent car parking would remain, with the plot then due to be listed for sale by the council. 

All of the works would take place behind safety fencing with as little disruption to nearby residents and roads as possible, according to the local authority. 

R.A.S.C.A. was once a much-loved staple of the local community, with local parents sharing they were ‘sad’ to see it go. 

At the time of the closure, residents shared their commiserations in a local community group. 

Former employee Patricia said: “Such a shock to hear RASCA is closing.

"I worked there for a number of years and it will be hard for families to find something as accommodating.

"Many families will be devastated by this news.” 

And local resident Anita added: “So sorry RASCA is closing.

"Both my children went there when it first opened in the late 70’s.

"It will be a great loss to Royton families. 

“It was started as a placement for children of one parent families, in Park Street in the centre of Royton but quickly evolved into something a lot bigger.

"My children are of course all grown up now, but I am sure they have fond memories of attending.”

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