Today marks four months since the King Street building collapse, yet this vital road through our town centre remains closed.
Everyone understands that public safety must come first, but four months on local people are rightly questioning what’s going on. Why is it taking so long? What is causing the delay? And when will King Street finally reopen?
It is particularly concerning that work on the neighbouring building is appears to be holding up progress, without a clear indication of what is the cause of this.
Months has passed without any obvious work on site as if it’s been paused without consideration to the impact on the town or neighbouring properties.
This continued closure is affecting local businesses, disrupting residents and commuters, and adding to congestion across the town, especially given the section of Oldham Way over Manchester Street is now shut for the rest of the summer too.
Four months is long enough. I’ve met with senior council officers to raise this urgently, and written to the building owner so we can end the gridlock and get it back open. It’s time for clear answers, a clear plan, and urgent action to get King Street reopened.
Jim McMahon OBE MP 