A COUNCILLOR has called for funding to be given to Haughton Green after a new ‘Pride in Place’ programme was announced.
Tameside Council is believed to be in line to receive £1.5 million of the Government package, which is designed to bring community-led regeneration, revitalisation of high streets and public infrastructure, and the restoration of community pride.
And a representative for Denton South believes its fair share – thought to amount to £78,000 – should go towards Haughton Green.
In a letter, Cllr George Newton states: “The impact of the austerity years has been particularly acute here.
“Local public realm assets have deteriorated, shopfronts and street furniture have become visibly tired and community amenities lack the attention they need.
“Haughton Green Village has had no significant regeneration project in living memory.
“The absence of dedicated investment has created a cycle where pride in place is diminished, opportunities for growth are constrained, and residents feel overlooked.
“Denton South’s share of the Pride in Place allocation offers a chance to break this cycle and deliver long-overdue renewal.
“Local “pinch points” in high street and shopping corridors Haughton Green Road, the main shopping and community corridor in the ward, is a prime example of where targeted improvements would deliver maximum impact.
“The parades of shops along this route form the heart of the village, but their appearance is increasingly run-down.
“Street furniture, paving, lighting, and signage are functional but tired, creating an environment that does not invite people to linger, spend, or invest.
“Investment here would send a clear message that Haughton Green is open for business.
“Improvements would attract footfall, support the retention of existing traders, encourage new enterprises and make the area more attractive for both residents and visitors.”
Just down the road, Denton is seeing millions of pounds of Levelling Up Fund investment along with Ashton-under-Lyne and Stalybridge, while Hyde and Droylsden are subject of masterplans.
But Cllr Newton believes areas like Haughton Green may be forgotten, adding to director of place Julian Jackson and Cllr Laura Boyle, Tameside Council’s executive member for neighbourhoods: “I fully recognise that the borough has rightly prioritised town centres.
“However, this pattern of investment has also created a clear imbalance – while town centres are being renewed, smaller communities like Haughton Green risk being left behind.
“A Pride in Place allocation for Denton South would not compete with these projects but complement them.
“Strong town centres need thriving neighbourhoods around them. Investment in Haughton Green would reinforce the regeneration work underway by creating a network of vibrant, attractive local centres rather than pockets of neglect.
“This fund represents a rare opportunity to address the impact of austerity in smaller communities like Haughton Green. I am determined that we should not be left behind.”