Residents asked for views on plans to upgrade Royton transport link to Oldham and Rochdale

Council bosses in Oldham are calling for locals to comment on plans to “upgrade” a major transport link in Royton that connects the town centre to Oldham and Rochdale.

Plans by Transport for Greater Manchester aims to “improve” public transport, bike and pedestrian access along Rochdale Road. 

The plans include a new southbound bus stop between Byron Street and High Barn Street “to help people get on and off the bus nearer the town centre shops and businesses”. The northbound bus stop will also receive a facelift to make it a “more pleasant” place to wait, with easier wheelchair access. 

The project will also see footways widened and resurfaced for people on foot or bicycle. Roads will be planted with verges and there will be a review of loading and parking restrictions in the area. 

TfGM said the development “will see major investment to improve bus stops, junctions, public spaces and passenger access.

“There will also be improvements to local walking, wheeling and cycling routes so it’s easier to use these options to travel and to make streets and neighbourhoods a more pleasant and safer place to make short trips as well as supporting town centre regeneration.” 

The scheme is a part of TfGM’s wider aim to improve connectivity in Greater Manchester on the A627 and A671 and iron out snags in local bus services. It’s responding to a previous public consultation that found residents were crying out for better connections between Rochdale, Royton, Oldham and Ashton-under-Lyne. 

A spokesperson for TfGM noted: “There are no Metrolink or rail connections between the towns, so good bus links are really important to help people get to work, schools, college and universities and to meet up with friends and family.” 

But they also want to see improvements to “support economic growth, regeneration and access to opportunities, including to jobs in town centres” by making it easier for people to commute between towns without cars.

However, the project could cause congestion in the short-term as the works take place, which could delay motorists. TfGM argues the long-term benefits will outweigh the temporary inconvenience. 

The transport service body is working closely with local authorities, which is why Oldham council has invited residents to “Have your say on proposals for Royton town centre that include improved bus stops, new bus stops, wider footways and improvements to Royton town centre.” 

Comments can be submitted online until March 24. The council is also holding two drop-in sessions in Royton on March 12 and 14 at the Trinity Methodist Church on Radcliffe Street. 

Once the cross-borough plan reaches its final stage of planning, it will be carried out and completed by 2027.