Crumbling road to be re-opened

ROAD closed bollards blocking Thurston Clough Road which has been shut since last year

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RESIDENTS in Delph are celebrating after Oldham Council confirmed that a crumbling road which has been closed for a year will reopen.

Thurston Clough Road was shut to traffic in 2008 after the retaining wall failed causing the road to slip.

Temporary bollards were installed, followed by permanent ones, to stop drivers.

Residents said they faced daily inconvenience because of the closure.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said: “Following the closure, cars would simply move the bollards and continue to use the road.

“Since the bollards were made permanent, we have seen an increase in gangs of youths.

“There have also been incidents where ambulances and fire engines have come along the lane but had to stop and reverse right back as turning round is not an option.”

Grant

Oldham Council has now confirmed repairs needed to open the road will be carried out using part of a £20m government grant.

It has been identified as one of 43 urgent schemes involving essential repair work on retaining walls that will be carried out across Saddleworth and Failsworth.

No time frame has yet been given but the project has been deemed high priority. Councillor Mark Alcock, cabinet member for environment and infrastructure said: “Oldham Council successfully bid for funding from central government earlier this year and, once it has been formally accepted by the cabinet, a programme of 45 priority schemes will get under way.

“One of these schemes is work to repair and reopen Thurston Clough Road.

“This project is a high priority for the council and will start as soon as is possible.

“However, it is a complex issue as the road is gradually slipping away and a significant amount of preparatory work and surveying is required. People will be kept updated on the progress.”