The Rochdale South Township Committee met on 10 September 2025, and agreed to upgrade a footpath to a bridleway. The committee also received a presentation on community safety in the area.

Claim to Upgrade Footpath HeyFp57 to Bridleway

The committee agreed to proceed with a legal order to upgrade the definitive footpath HeyFp57 to a bridleway. The relevant route runs from Bury and Rochdale Old Road to Mine Street, Heywood.

The council is required to maintain a definitive map showing public footpaths and bridleways. An application was made to upgrade the existing footpath to a bridleway, after evidence of 20 years usage was provided, under section 31 Highways Act 1980.

As part of the process, landowners were notified. The council received an email from a resident living along the route, who was concerned that the council would alter the land over which they have a private access. The council responded that the surface would not be altered, as it is currently suitable for use as a bridleway.

A section of the existing footpath is not registered. Notices have been erected on site to try and locate the landowner, but none has come forward. The council has taken all reasonable actions to locate the landowner for this section, and may continue with the order.

The council considered that a completed order would create a safe off-road route for horse riders, cyclists, and pedestrians, away from traffic. The report noted that:

Whilst pedestrians are currently the only legitimate users of the footpath this would create a multi user route, it is accepted to create routes that legally allow access to other users, a national route of a similar nature is the Pennine Bridleway that allows use by horse riders, cyclists and pedestrians.

If no objections are received to the order, it will be confirmed as an unopposed order under paragraph 6 of Schedule 15 to the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. If relevant objections are received, the order will be referred to the Planning Inspectorate for the Secretary of State for consideration and direction.

Community Safety

The committee received a presentation in relation to community safety, delivered by the Safer Neighbourhoods Team.

The Safer Neighbourhoods Team has five Community Safety Officers, one for each township. According to the Public Reports Pack, Community Safety Officers deal with a variety of issues, including neighbour disputes, youth related nuisance, and general anti-social behaviour, as well as target hardening¹ and prevention work. They also have responsibility for enforcement around Rochdale's two Public Spaces Protection Orders² (PSPO). Rochdale has two PSPOs in place:

• Rochdale Town Centre PSPO restrictions:
  • Driving or using a car in an antisocial manner.
  • Obstructing the highway or loitering.
  • Using a skateboard in the restricted area.
  • Begging on the street in a way that is likely to cause intimidation or harassment.
  • Using a bicycle, scooter, or other wheeled vehicles in a way that may cause nuisance, alarm, or distress.
• Borough-wide PSPO restrictions:
  • Drinking alcohol in public areas.
  • Using mechanically propelled vehicles (MPVs).

The Community Safety Team also conduct other work, including:

• Target hardening: In response to heightened reports of vehicle crime in the borough, the team conducted an engagement event, handing out free crime prevention products and advice to members of the public.
• Neighbour issues: After receiving numerous reports from residents about nuisance from off-road bikes, Community Safety Officers attended an address with Greater Manchester Police, which resulted in fines being issued and a quad bike being removed.
• Transport for Greater Manchester (TFGM) sites: During the summer months, Community Safety officers have been conducting regular patrols around TFGM sites to monitor antisocial behaviour.
• Youth engagement: The Community Safety team also commission Foundation 92, a charity which works with youths across the borough, to provide extra curricular activities and mentoring after school.