Your Local Independent 196

July 2025 Page 3 AD SALES 01204 478812 PEOPLE in Rochdale have been invited to take part in a major archaeo- logical dig at Broadfield Park Slopes. Running from July 7-18, the project is part of the wider regeneration and restoration programme for the histori- cally rich area. The Broadfield Park Slopes project is transforming one of the town’s most iconic green spaces blending heritage, learning and inclusive place- making to celebrate Roch- dale’s past while shaping its future. Nestled behind Rochdale Town Hall, the Slopes were once a vital hub of early indus- trial life. A natural spring which still feeds the Packer Spout Fountain, now being restored, supported local industry and community life for centuries. Earlier digs on the site uncovered the remains of the Charles Kershaw Cen- tral Corn Mill and a historic weighing station reflecting Rochdale’s long-standing values of fairness, equity and co-operation. Now, working with com- munity archaeologists Elder Archaeology CIC, Rochdale Development Agency (RDA) is leading the next phase of excavation to uncover more of the area’s post-medieval and industrial history. And crucially, the dig has been designed to include residents of all ages, turning learning into a shared experience. As part of the RDA’s com- mitment to inclusive growth and skills development, stu- dents from across the borough including Rochdale Sixth Form College, will be joining the dig. Helen Featherstone, direc- tor, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting the Broad- field Park Slopes project and that it is giving the commu- nities of Rochdale the oppor- tunity to get truly hands on with their local heritage and discover some of the fasci- nating stories of the history of their hometown.” Book your place and find out more at: rochdaletown- hall.co.uk/events THE Same Day Emer- gency Care (SDEC) unit at Rochdale Infirmary is celebrating its three-year milestone of delivering fast, effective care to the local community. Since opening, Rochdale SDEC unit has treated more than 24,000 patients, helping people get the care they need quickly while returning home the very same day without the need for an overnight hospi- tal stay. The SDEC unit has become a vital part of Rochdale’s urgent care system, seeing up to 40 patients a day. As well as treating patients on site, the team provides expert advice and support to GPs, specialist nurses, community podiatrists and other local health services. Chris Underhill, advanced practitioner at Rochdale SDEC, who has been work- ing at the unit since it opened, said: “It has been incredible to see how far we have come in such a short time. Many peo- ple still don’t realise the range of services available here, but when they do come in, they really appreciate being lis- tened to properly and having their needs fully assessed.” The unit is staffed by a mul- ti-disciplinary clinical team of 25 dedicated colleagues, has 11 standard beds and two frailty beds, all of which play a key role in helping to treat patients quickly. Chris added: “From the start, our aim has been to provide safe, efficient care that keeps people out of hos- pital beds and back home the same day. We have recently introduced a new virtual ward which allows us to discharge patients early while still giv- ing them the care they need at home.” As the team celebrates this milestone, they are also look- ing to develop newways to care for patients in the community A MAJOR new work of public art and climate action featuring 70 life- sized safari animal pup- pets comes to Heywood in July as part of Manchester International Festival. ‘The Herds is an ambitious public artwork featuring ele- phants, giraffes, antelope and lions, made from the upscaled or recyclable card- board and plywood. It has been described as a dramatically eye-opening way to put focus on climate change, the concept being that these animals are fleeing cli- mate disaster. The animals began their 20,000km journey in Kin- shasa in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in April and have since visited Lagos, Dakar, Marrakesh, Casablanca and Rabat. The procession is now making its way through various Euro- pean cities. The Herds is due to appear in the residential area around Aspinall Street in Heywood from 7pm on Friday, July 4 on a mission to find a way back to nature, before they move to nearby Queen’s Park seeking and finding a tranquil oasis. Following that appear- ance in Queen’s Park there will be a live performance on A NEW pedestrian cross- ing has been unveiled on a busy road in Middleton in a major safety boost for the area. The crossing in Oldham Road, close to Warwick Mill, is part of a wider safety drive across Rochdale, using invest- ment from Transport for Greater Manchester. And the crossing is already reaping benefits for local schoolchildren from the nearby St Peter’s RC Primary School. Headteacher Joanne Clinch said: “This road is incredibly busy; so much so that when we take the children to Mid- dleton Arena for their swim- ming lessons, we used to hire a coach to get there, as we didn’t feel confident safely taking an entire year group across this road. “This crossing means we can now all walk down together, so the children can get fresh air and start exer- cising before they even get in the pool. It will also save us a lot of money hiring coaches. “As part of getting ready for secondary school, children in Year 6 are also able to walk to and from school on their own and this will enable them to enjoy that independence in a safe way. We’re delighted with it.” Councillor Shah Wazir, Rochdale Council cabinet member for highways, said: “Having this crossing in place will make it easier for the many people living in this busy residential area to access everything that Middleton town centre has to offer.” The crossing at Middle- ton is the second in the bor- ough, with one recently being installed in Shawclough Road, close to the entrance of Healey Dell, and another currently under construction in Hal- ifax Road, close to Smithy Bridge. Further crossings will be introduced in Kirkholt and Heywood. Stepping out: Joanne Clinch, headteacher of St Peter’s (left), using the new crossing with pupils and Councillor Shah Wazir (right) Pedestrian crossing’s schools safety drive Digging into the past History hunt: An earlier dig at The Slopes (Photo credit: RDA) Emergency care team’s milestone moment Service: The SDEC Unit is making a difference (Photo credit: Northern Care Alliance) Following The Herds Rehearsal: Preparations for the work are underway and reduce the need for hospi- tal stays even more. Frailty is a key area of focus, with support being provided to help patients maintain their independence, reduce the risk of future hos- pital admissions, and improve their overall health, wellbe- ing, and confidence. Patients are noticing the difference too with one ser- vice user saying: “I was so relieved to be seen quickly and treated without needing to stay overnight. The staff really listened and explained everything clearly. I felt safe, cared for and I was home by tea-time.” stage by nine-piece Riot Jazz Brass Band. There will also be a pro- gramme of live entertainment accompanying The Herds at venues across Heywood town centre during the evening with further details to be revealed. The event is free, and no booking is required. Visitors who aren’t able to walk to the event are being advised to use public transport where possible as parking in Hey- wood will be limited. It is is part of a spectacular line up of festivals, live perfor- mances, exhibitions and art during Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025-26. The title, awarded by the Greater Manchester Com- bined Authority celebrates the town’s rich history, creativity, talent and diverse arts scene.