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CLOSURE confusion... John Tyndall of Brotherod Hall Road is irate he cannot now use the Woodlands Road.
Developers accused of path deceit
Bethan Dorsett27/ 5/2005
THE developers who want to build 600 houses on the old Turner's site have been accused of deceiving the public, planning officers and councillors over the closure of the Woodlands Road footpath.
In a stinging attack on Countryside Properties at a meeting of Rochdale Township committee, Councillor Ann Metcalfe said the company had mentioned the possibility of closure when it met with councillors on 12 May. No date was mentioned.
But she had since learned Countryside Properties had contacted a reporter at the Observer that same afternoon to announce that it was applying for an emergency closure order, which it duly submitted to the council the following day.
Councillor Metcalfe said: "It seems the people we are dealing with are not coming out with the truth."
Ken Smith, the head of the council's planning and regulation department, admitted: "I'm just disappointed. The previous Thursday evening I attended a meeting with the TBA working party.
"The managing director from Countryside Properties did indicate they may have to close a footpath at a later date, but gave no indication that request was going to be made the following day.
"It was like a kick in the teeth when we found out this had happened."
Councillor Elwyn Watkins, a member of the working party, told the meeting: "We have had a lot of meetings to make sure everything's been done properly.
"What we have is one incident which has destroyed all that confidence and trust."
The committee has demanded a full consultation before a bid to close the path for a further year-and-a-half is considered, especially after residents with disabilities complained they could not use the only alternative walkway. The agreed emergency four-week closure runs out in two weeks' time.
Members council highways officers for failing to consult councillors, although department head Donald Forester said the closure was in line with emergency action like that taken when there were 'dangerous buildings collapsing or unexploded grenades.'
But chairwoman, Councillor Angela Coric, told him: "I think this is a lesson for your department."
Most recent 2 of 8 user comments
This begs a more serious issue- if they cannot honour an agreement to maintain a path, then what cast iron guarantees does Rochdale get about the long- term health risks posed by any development of the site.
Pot holes and puddles are bad enough- our children's health must not be ignored in such a cavalier manner by the new owners of the site.
10/06/2005 at 16:01
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26/10/2005 at 22:01