Royton Park 'transformation' is welcomed

A Royton councillor and local campaigners have saluted the 'transformation' of Royton Park after more than £150,000 was spent on much-needed improvements.

New play areas, a big sandpit, a brand new slide, new paths and more trees and plants have been installed, with the majority of the cash coming from Section 106 money, funds paid to the council by developers.

Following the removal of part of the play area in 2019, the children's facilities were in dire need of improvement.

There were numerous incidents of vandalism to the play areas, and these have now been replaced with more robust equipment.

The park has been made more accessible, while a new drainage system has been put in place to bring a large area of the park back into use all year round.

Trees, a wild flower meadow and an orchard have all been planted.

Royton South Councillor Amanda Chadderton said: "Royton Park is looking absolutely fantastic.

"Our parks staff have clearly been working non stop during lockdown to get the park ready for families to enjoy over the summer.

"The new paths have made it much easier to get around and the new play areas are looking great.

"I can’t wait to spend more time in there with my newborn daughter as the weather gets warmer."

This summer Royton Park will also begin to be home to the Royton Growing Hub.

The grow hub will be an area where local residents and community groups can come together, learn how to grow vegetables, socialise and improve their physical and mental wellbeing.

Planning permission for the grow hub was granted last year, but work put on hold due to the pandemic.

Local campaigner Mick Harwood said: "I have been in this scheme from the start and whilst it has been delayed due to covid, I am really excited to see it come to life this year.

"Grow hubs have been really successful and well used in other areas of Oldham and its about time Royton had its own."

Royton councillors funded £10,000 through their ward budgets to ensure the park scheme could be maximised, while they also agreed to match fund the Growing Hub investment from United Utilities.

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