A CONTROVERSIAL road junction closure in Stalybridge may stay in place for a while longer, despite calls to end it now.
The ‘experimental’ scheme has seen where Castle Street meets Melbourne Street cut off as part of public realm works.
An order remains in place for up to 18 months but speculation is gathering that it could be removed at the end of May.
Conservative Councillor Doreen Dickinson is in no doubt about what she believes should happen, while many people have also complained.
She said: “I have written to the Stalybridge Project Board to say the closure of Castle Street defeats the objective of the Heritage Walkway (Market St), which was supposed to be just that, a pleasant walk way where there would be less traffic with seating and planters at a great cost of £2.5 million
“Instead, it has much more traffic because of the closure. It is bad for business, cuts the Town in half and needs reopening now not in 18 months.
“Another solution to that junction has to be found.
“New road markings or even a one way system for the short distance from the junction with Melbourne Street to Back Melbourne Street.”
However, when approached by The Correspondent, Tameside Council signalled the closure could remain in place for June.
A spokesperson said: “The closure of the connection from Castle Street on to Melbourne Street and the extension of the one-way movement on Melbourne Street is intended to support the delivery of the Stalybridge Public Realm Vision by reducing vehicle movement across the town, minimising the dominance of vehicles moving through Stalybridge town centre and improving the pedestrian experience.
“The plan was publicised at drop-in sessions in Stalybridge earlier this year where residents were invited to view and feedback on the plans via a survey.
“Further information on the public realm proposals in Stalybridge and the survey can be viewed here: www.tameside.gov.uk/stalybridgeregeneration .
“The current work on Castle Street has been undertaken using Experimental Traffic Regulation Orders (ETROs).
“An ETRO can stay in force for up to 18 months allowing the traffic flows to be reviewed prior to the order becoming permanent or being lifted.
“Traffic count data has been recorded before implementation of the Castle Street/Melbourne Street ETRO and updated traffic count data will be collected in June 2025 to help assess the actual impacts on vehicle travel within the town.
“The plans will be reviewed with the Stalybridge Project Board and all feedback will be taken into account before further decisions are made.
“Residents are welcome to input feedback via the survey.”