School could solve parking problem

parking strife at Royton Health Centre could soon be eased by using the playground at the former Byron Street School.

Royton Councillor Stephen Bashforth says he is pleased a way forward has been found after organising a meeting with local councillors and health and council officers last Wednesday.

Parking on side streets and pavements, plus a lack of near-by parking places, has provoked a rash of complaints to councillors and the Chronicle since the health centre opened last year.

Now officers are considering opening the playground as a first stage, before the school is demolished in the future.

Councillor John McCann, Cabinet member for regeneration and environment, confirmed that using the schoolyard is on the cards.

He said: “There will be a safety review and a look at legal liabilities, but I think it makes great sense for stage one.

“Stage two is the demolition of the old school and that will take a little more time.

“This is expected to take place within the next few weeks once commissioning work has been completed.

“A final decision on the future of the site has not been made but temporary car parking is one of a number of options we are considering.”

Councillor Bashforth, who represents Royton South, said the meeting involved NHS Oldham, and staff from the council’s highways, regeneration, and asset management sections.

He said: “I am pleased there is some progress.

“There are restrictions on the school land for educational and leisure use, but it will be used by people who are also accessing Royton Park as well as visiting the health centre.

“There is also land at the back of Royton Baths which has been gravelled and is going to be made into a car park for eight of the people working at the baths.

“And the Primary Care Trust (NHS Oldham) is also looking at other options.

“There is already an underground car park at the health centre but it seems some of the staff aren’t using it.”

NHS Oldham explained that some of the 24 spaces in the car park are for staff but the majority are leased to GPs, pharmacies and other businesses.

NHS staff are to be encouraged to use the spaces whenever possible.