New road layout fixed for Royton - but locals aren’t happy

New plans for a road in Royton have been confirmed after a public consultation earlier this year.

But the project to make the town’s highstreet safer for pedestrians and bus users has divided opinions locally.

The major works on Rochdale Road are due to begin in January 2026.

They will create a Royton–Oldham–Ashton bus corridor, along with widened pavements for safer crossings; new bus stops with step-free access into buses for wheelchair users; and shelters with improved lighting and CCTV.

The idea is to improve connectivity to Royton’s town centre for those using public transport and on foot.

But despite changes made in response to public feedback, not everyone is thrilled by the project.

The plans sparked a fierce debate after being posted in a local community group.

One resident said: “It’s going to ruin royton, constant traffic jams while the work is being carried out, and constant trafijams after it’s completed.”

Another wrote sarcastically: “I’m sure the thousands of people who rely on the A627/A671 daily will be thrilled to hear that months of lane closures and diversions are the latest strategy for speeding up their journeys.

“The repeated reassurance that this will ‘reduce delays for all road users’ is admirably optimistic.

"Historically, narrowing roads, redirecting traffic and digging up key junctions have worked wonders for congestion… in PowerPoint presentations, at least. In the real world, it tends to produce exactly the kind of gridlock we’re all pretending it won’t.”

Another raised issues about the removal of the guard rails around the shopping precinct.

While the council has now decided to keep the railings in ‘key safety areas’ such as around junctions, the majority are still being removed.

The resident, called Janet, said: “The railings in the Centre of Royton were erected after two folks died, recommended by the Coroner.

"The danger will be there again, if the railings are removed.”

But several also leapt to the defence of the plans, with one resident asking ‘What’s not to like?’.

“I am disabled and welcome these changes,” said another.

“I don’t drive so rely on public transport and the proposed plans will make my journey’s easier than they are now.

"Also if I could walk the changes would be beneficial to me too.”

Other praised the plans to encourage more active travel and less dependency on cars, stating ‘public spaces and shouldn’t be handed over to car drivers’.

Coun Chris Goodwin, Cabinet Member for Transport and Highways, said: “We know people care deeply about Royton town centre and we understand there are strong views on the proposed improvements.

"The aim of this scheme is simple: to make the area safer, easier to move around and more accessible for everyone – including pedestrians, cyclists, disabled residents and drivers.

“Some concerns have been raised around the removal of railings.

"To be clear, railings will remain in the key locations where they are needed for safety.

"Where railings are being taken out, it is because the evidence shows that cluttered pavements and unnecessary barriers can actually make crossing points less safe.

"The designs follow national safety guidance and have been developed alongside TfGM and independent road safety experts.

“We also understand worries about disruption.

"Any major transport project brings temporary inconvenience, but the works will be carefully planned and communicated to keep delays to a minimum. In the long term the improvements will help reduce congestion by smoothing traffic flow, improving junction efficiency and giving people more reliable options for local journeys.”

Coun Goodwin added that the council and TfGM welcomes feedback from the public and would ‘continue to work with residents and businesses’ to finalise the design.

Anthony Murden, Deputy Head of Projects at TfGM, noted that the scheme has already been subject to two rounds of public consultation, with many respondents in favour of the proposed improvements to cycling, walking and wheeling facilities in and around Royton town centre.

Mr Murden added: “The Bee Network is transforming how people get around Greater Manchester, with the Royton town centre scheme part of bigger changes to improve journeys for all road users and better connect people to jobs and opportunities across Rochdale, Oldham and Ashton.

“We will be working hard throughout the delivery of this scheme to minimise disruption and maintain access to businesses and public services and will keep businesses and local residents regularly informed about the works as they progress.”

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