In response to repeated representations by Shaw Liberal Democrat Councillors, a makeover of the Crompton Baths site has been promised by Council officers before the end of this month.
Councillor Howard Sykes MBE, newly re-elected to represent Shaw Ward, said: “The baths site is just a disgrace and there has also been fly-tipping on adjoining land behind the new Pound Bargains shop.”
“Having an eyesore in the heart of our town centre does nothing to attract shoppers or businesses to our high street, and it is clearly an irritant as my Liberal Democrat colleagues and I have relayed plenty of complaints from our constituents to council officers, and repeated called for some urgent action.”
Councillor Sykes has now received the promise that the area will be strimmed, and litter picked and that a fresh overseed of wildflower mix will be sown by the end of May. Potential enforcement action has also been scheduled to tackle fly-tipping on the adjoining private land.
“I am glad that some action will now finally be taken as it just needs sorting,” added Councillor Sykes, “But the long-term solution would be to use this land as part of the location of a new modern health centre for the people of Shaw and Crompton, something which local Liberal Democrat Councillors have been campaigning for over many years and a campaign that we shall continue until we succeed.”
Planting wildflowers on this site is better than leaving it as is, but unfortunately fly tippers will still violate the area, it will just be better hidden. We have been waiting for the go ahead on a new Health Centre for years and I assume still no nearer to a decision.
Why can’t this site be better utilised and levelled off for use as a temporary Market Ground. I am sure we could initially attract more stallholders for Thursday’s when they realise the commitment to change. Market Street can be opened up again to the relief of shopkeepers/businesses and traffic unrestricted. It can also be used to try out various artisan markets/pop-up eateries at weekends bringing much needed footfall. Surely we could give it a try and not be pacified by thinking sowing a few wildflowers will resolve this problem, which once they have died back, the site will return to being an ‘irritant eyesore’.
Suggested just such a market idea a month or so ago and got a thumbs down – will continue to pursue and also make sure this site does not become an eye sore again. Last time I raised the state of the site they refused to do anything!