Sign of opposition to new road

DEFACED . . . the entrance sign on the Foxdenton Lane development

TENSIONS are running high at the site of a new link road for the controversial Foxdenton development in Chadderton.

New signs, depicting the entrance to the construction site at Foxdenton Lane, have been vandalised with graffiti after being recently erected.

Cheetham Hill Construction have been appointed by FO Developments to undertake construction of the link road which will run through the £100 million development, named Broadway Green, and will connect the A663 (Broadway) and B6189 (Foxdenton Lane).

However one person chose to make their views known by spray painting over the word "Broadway" and adding "Destroyed?" to the sign.

A spokesperson for Cheetham Hill Construction confirmed that the sign has now been removed and it will not be replaced following the vandalism.

It comes as phase one of the development, which includes construction of a new signal junction at Foxdenton Lane, the improvement of the existing Eaves Lane and Broadway junction and some groundworks to the new link road and development plots, began in the area.

The second phase, due to commence in early 2018, will see a new signal junction at Broadway and the completion of the link road connecting Broadway to Foxdenton Lane.

The development, a joint venture regeneration scheme between Oldham Council and Foxdenton LLP, is expected to bring thousands of jobs as well as much-needed housing and boost the local retail economy.

The scheme will provide 700,000 square feet of employment space within a premium business park alongside up to 500 new homes on site

However local residents have campaigned for years against the proposals, who have argued that the development will result in a loss of green space and wildlife, additional strain on existing drainage problems, potential flooding issues, increased traffic and road safety.