I’m continuing to work behind the scenes with Transport for Greater Manchester and Oldham Council on the plans for Royton Town Centre because while investment is welcome, parts of the current design still aren’t right for Royton.
From the outset, I’ve been clear about concerns over the removal of guard railings and changes such as the right turn from High Barn Street. Those railings are there to keep people safe and to guide pedestrians to proper crossing points. With the way Royton has changed in recent years – more bars, restaurants and evening footfall – replacing barriers with planting blocks sight lines, won’t last, and simply doesn’t reflect how people actually move through the town.
Some changes have been made, which I welcome, but the current design still creates real problems. That’s why I’m keeping the pressure on. I’m in regular contact with TfGM & Oldham Council, and will continue pushing for a better outcome for Royton.
This isn’t about being completely for or against the scheme. We want to continue to see a thriving town centre and improvements to areas that are tired but not at the expense of pedestrian safety, and not with unnecessary disruption for local people, especially given how much public money is being spent.
What Royton needs is a practical solution:
full-length safety barriers
clear sight lines
a design that works in the real world
I’ll keep working to make sure we get the best possible outcome for Royton, not just with this scheme but also with Royton Precinct given recent disputes between tenants and the leaseholder London & Cambridge Partnerships over service charges and the state of the canopies.
Jim McMahon OBE MP 