Littleborough Councillors Call on Businesses to Speak Out on Roadworks and Traffic Impact

Photos: Rochdale Council (l-r Cllrs Richard Jackson, Adam Branton, Ashley Dearnley)

Local councillors are urging Littleborough business owners to come together and share how ongoing roadworks, congestion and housing development are affecting trade, staff and wellbeing across the town.

A meeting has been organised for Wednesday 21 January at 7.30pm at R17, 1 Ebor Street, where traders will be invited to give evidence of the financial and social impact caused by what organisers describe as “constant disruption and infrastructure mismanagement”.

Councillors Adam Branton, Ashley Dearnley and Richard Jackson will attend the session and take concerns directly into a planning meeting later that week, where a proposal for a further 199-house development on Smithy Bridge Road is due to be discussed.

Organisers say the combination of persistent traffic congestion and large-scale housing growth without corresponding investment in roads and transport is placing growing strain on Littleborough’s economy.

The aim of the meeting is to gather short, objective evidence from businesses, including lost footfall, delivery problems, reduced takings, staff stress, or access issues. Even figures from the last week or two are welcomed.

In a statement shared on Facebook, the group behind the meeting said:

“We need evidence of the financial impact and added stress to businesses in the area to prove that more cars in an already heavily developed area is not sustainable. This is about showcasing the real cost to local trade.”

While residents’ views remain important, organisers say this particular session is focused on business voices and the knock-on effect congestion is having on the local economy.

The councillors attending will use the feedback to argue that further large developments cannot go ahead without proper infrastructure improvements to support them.

Local businesses are encouraged to attend, complete a short form on the night, and share their experiences so they can be formally represented at council level.

The meeting is being hosted by R17, who have also voiced support for highlighting the challenges facing traders in the town centre.

Organisers are asking business owners to spread the word, attend, and ensure Littleborough’s commercial community is heard as planning decisions continue to shape the future of the area.