Beauty spot bridge plan gets a mixed response...
AN eye-catching £5 million bridge could soon soar above a Greater Manchester beauty spot.
Plans have been unveiled for 140metre long structure across the Medlock Valley, in Park Bridge, to connect Oldham and Tameside.
Council chiefs hope the bridge would encourage more people to walk or cycle between the two areas by making it easier and safer than on current routes between Oldham and Ashton.
But as Greater Manchester leaders say they want to hear locals’ views on the scheme, some residents have already given strong feelings against it to the Manchester Evening News.
Coun Arooj Shah, leader of Oldham Council, said: “Oldham Council is committed to providing safer and better transport links for our residents. That’s so people can access employment and training opportunities in other areas, but also so they can get out and enjoy what the borough has to offer.”
Leaders say the bridge would stand at more than 30 metres above the ground at its highest point, be designed with smooth surfacing for cyclists, and include landscaping work so it fits in with its surroundings.
It’s hoped the project would cut the number of car journeys in the area. It would also provide a new access point to Northern Roots the UK’s largest urban farm and country park - in Oldham.
Oldham Council staff have been working with Transport for Greater Manchester and Tameside Council on the plan.
Coun Warren Bray, Tameside Council executive member for transport and connectivity, said: “This project will be great for connectivity between the boroughs.”
Further funding from the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Bee Network fund would be needed to build the bridge, but if approved it could open in summer 2023.
The Manchester Evening News asked readers on the MyOldham and MyTameside Facebook pages what they thought to the plans.
In Oldham, readers were disappointed by the proposals. Danielle
Rogerson wrote: “Park Bridge area is a lovely quiet nature spot, adding a bridge to ruin that is just absolutely stupid and a waste of money.”
The plans also seemed unpopular among readers in Tameside.
Kaz Clarke said: “I’m sure a path and a road already links Ashton to Oldham... money wasted yet again.”
For more information on the project and to take part in the consultation visit oldham.gov.uk/ parkbridge