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THE CYCLE LANE TOOK OVER A YEAR TO BUILD, SPARKING ANGER AND FRUSTRATION 06:01, 30 May 2025 Shops in a Rochdale suburb, plagued by a year of roadworks for a huge cycle lane scheme, are to
get a major facelift. Businesses along the Castleton high street are in line for a revamp, after councillors approved a £600,000 shop front improvement scheme at the latest meeting of town
hall bosses. It comes after promises of support for the businesses that suffered with 16 months of roadworks on Manchester Road. The active travel scheme, designed to promote healthier
living and sustainable travel, was hit with a number of delays during construction - causing traffic chaos in the area to drag on for much longer than expected. A number of locals have
previously told the_ Manchester Evening News_ the roadworks actually caused businesses to lose out and some even shut up shop. Stephen Thomas, who runs Smith’s Bakery on the high street,
says he was forced to shut one of his two bakeries on Manchester Road. Article continues below He had to shut because a lot of the bakery trade relies on workers and passers by popping in -
and they were deterred by the disruption. Rochdale Council’s support funding will cover improvements like repairs to stonework and brickwork, shop front improvements, including new signage,
lighting and artwork, and reinstatement of historic features. The investment is part of the wider regeneration of Castleton, which is seeing many of its underused sites transformed with
hundreds of new homes. Coun Danny Meredith, cabinet member for regeneration and housing at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We’ve worked hard to bring regeneration into Castleton and there’s
a real sense of momentum in this area, with previously rundown, brownfield suites being transformed into high-quality homes. “But there is always more to do. This investment will help
business owners in this vital area organise repairs and improvements to their premises, which they otherwise may not have been able to afford. "This, in turn, could help them attract
even more customers in future, including the residents who are moving into the new houses which are being created and making Castleton their long term home.” A team from Rochdale Development
Agency (RDA), which is organising the scheme on behalf of the council, will now contact all business owners in the target area. Article continues below They will offer them the opportunity
to attend drop-in sessions at the Castleton Community Centre, where they can find out more about the project and how to apply for funding. Coun Aisling Blaise Gallagher, chair of the
Rochdale South Township Committee, said: “We’ve been working closely with the council’s cabinet to find a way to support businesses in this area and I’m delighted that this funding has been
approved. “Details of the drop in sessions will be shared with businesses in due course and I would encourage them to go along and find out more.”