Royton town centre improvement plan changes after public concerns

Plans to improve Royton town centre are going ahead next week after councillors agreed to keep pedestrian guard rails following public concerns. The changes, which include wider pavements, safer crossings and better bus access, were originally set to remove some safety barriers that residents said were vital for protection.

Oldham Council launched a public consultation last year on the £2.3m scheme, part of the wider Royton-Oldham-Ashton Quality Bus Transit corridor. While many welcomed improvements like new seating and greenery, residents raised concerns about removing guard rails that had been installed after past fatalities.

Following discussions between the council, Transport for Greater Manchester and MP Jim McMahon, the guard rails will now remain in coroner-recommended areas. Councillor Arooj Shah said safety had always been central to the scheme, while McMahon welcomed the decision to listen to local people's concerns.

Construction begins next week on the town centre improvements, which aim to make walking, cycling and bus travel easier while enhancing the area's appearance. The project is funded by the government's City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement and marks the first phase of a larger programme to improve journeys between Rochdale, Oldham and Ashton.