Castle Street road closure to be removed in Stalybridge

CHANGES to Castle Street in Stalybridge are being rolled back after a trial diversion scheme was introduced as part of the town’s regeneration project board.

The decision follows feedback from residents and businesses who felt the recent diversion measures weren’t working for the town.

The changes, which included bollards to restrict vehicle access, were trialled to help reduce congestion in the town centre. However, data and public response indicated the scheme wasn’t meeting the needs of the community.

Councillor Eleanor Wills, Executive Leader of Tameside Council, said: “The changes on Castle Street were introduced for a set trail period with good intentions following cross party agreement at a project board meeting.  As with any pilot, we listen and learn and in this case it’s clear from what people have told us, and from what the data is starting to show, that it’s not working how it was hoped it would. I’ve spoken to residents and businesses who feel it’s causing more problems than it solves. Stalybridge is thriving, and we want to support further growth and so we’re acting quickly now to remove the closure.”