BOSSES OF a multi-billion pound rail project that would see Mossley railway station moved have been told: “Talk to the people.”
The Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) scheme will shift the current facility about 300 metres along Manchester Road to a new one, at which both platforms will be accessible.
But concerns over the impact on those already living there and the proposed access plans for construction vehicles using Mill Lane, Archer Street and Brookfields are rising.
And Jonathan Reynolds, MP for Mossley, has laid out in no uncertain terms his worries that people who will be affected are not being listened to.
In a letter, he states: “As I made clear previously, I remain strongly supportive of this vital investment in our rail infrastructure.
“The benefits of the TRU programme, capacity, connectivity, accessibility, economic growth and decarbonisation are significant, and I continue to support its timely delivery.
“However, my earlier support was explicitly contingent on full and meaningful consultation with local residents, particularly those on Manchester Road and Mill Lane, regarding traffic management arrangements and construction impacts.
“I have been contacted again by residents who report that these conditions have not yet been adequately met.
“In particular, there remains concern that residents on Mill Lane have not been properly consulted, and that significant issues exist regarding access arrangements for construction traffic.
“Whilst I recognise that the proposal to limit vehicle movements along Mill Lane to those under 3.5 tonnes represents a step in the right direction, I must emphasise that even smaller vehicles present real challenges on what is a steep, narrow residential street with constrained access.
“Residents are understandably concerned that the current arrangements will continue to result in disruption, safety risks and damage to the character of the area.
“I do welcome the work undertaken to identify mitigation measures in relation to high pressures on Manchester Road, and I am grateful for the engagement that has taken place on this aspect of the scheme.
“However, it remains essential that affected residents are kept regularly updated as plans evolve, with clear and ongoing communication throughout the construction period.
“In addition, I have received representations from residents regarding the proposed closure of Archer Street and the absence of alternative parking provision.
“This has created further anxiety locally, particularly for those who rely on on-street parking and have not been provided with satisfactory mitigation options.
“I would be grateful for clarification on how these concerns will be addressed. Given the importance of this project, I am keen to continue working constructively with all parties to ensure that it proceeds successfully.
“However, it is essential that the commitments made around consultation and mitigation are honoured in full, and that the legitimate concerns of local residents are properly addressed.”
A public inquiry into the TRU project heard a residents’ parking scheme is likely to be introduced on Manchester Road as the station is moved to what is, essentially, the other end of the current car park.
However, Mr Reynolds told Network Rail that will not mean the end of the monitoring.
He added: “Pre-enquiry, we engaged significantly with residents on Manchester Road to support and address their concerns about access and parking issues around the new station.
“These have been assuaged to some degree as a result of the proposed parking permit scheme from TRU and Tameside Council.
“But serious concerns remain and we will continue to give any support possible to these residents as they will feel the full brunt and impact of the new station”
The inquiry continues.