Following a full-day assessment earlier this term the IQM praised the school’s transformation under Head of School Michael Chiles who joined in 2024 with a clear vision rooted in Respect The assessor described Longdendale as “an exciting place to be – for both students and staff.” Since the introduction of the school’s new vision a consistent and ambitious culture has been established The Longdendale Way has brought clarity and focus to daily routines A central part of this is the Longdendale Legacy a guiding ethos about the impact students leave behind when they “hang their blazer up” at the end of their school journey and appreciation initiatives build a sense of pride and community The school is also developing new spaces to support student wellbeing and internal alternative provision – all part of a wider commitment to inclusion and early intervention The school’s support for students with special educational needs was noted as thoughtful and impactful including personalised newsletters and a clear Family Handbook every student takes part in weekly electives These are interactive extra-curricular sessions such as debate club cheerleading and peer mentoring aim to encourage students to foster new interests form friendships and take on leadership roles The full Inclusion Quality Mark report highlights Longdendale’s inclusive ethos and the tangible difference made by recent changes It concludes with a recommendation to retain Flagship Status Head of School Michael Chiles commented “I’m extremely proud of the school staff who work tirelessly to bring the Longdendale Legacy to life so that every student can create a lasting legacy.” This recognition reflects the school’s unwavering drive to ensure every student is known For more details, the full report is available via the school’s website https://www.longdendalehighschool.org.uk/ By George Lythgoe – Local Democracy Reporter FIVE people are battling to become Tameside’s newest councillor The by-election for the Longdendale seat was sparked following the dramatic resignation of ex-Labour councillor Jacqueline North The former deputy leader and finance boss said she quit as she was ‘fundamentally at odds’ with her own party Greens and one independent have all thrown their hats in the ring to take her place The names of those expecting to fight it out have now been confirmed: Here is what each candidate has to say to the Longdendale residents… Longdendale has a long-lasting place in my heart My dad lived on Rushycroft; my little sister was born and baptized in Mottram Church With its unique blend of communities in Hollingworth Longdendale deserves another passionate champion I’d love the chance to strengthen local projects and community groups I’ll work with other councillors to bring the education you and your kids demand in Longdendale’s nine schools I’d like to improve local parks through community partnerships giving sports groups a boost to serve Tameside’s Healthy strategy I’ll ensure clear communication during construction while lobbying for the right solution for us I’ll serve you – dedicating myself for Longdendale and for you I live with my husband and two girls and run my own sewing business; teaching and making/altering clothes I also host coffee mornings and fundraising events I am standing as a candidate because I believe we need to do local politics better with a more balanced Council than we currently have The Green Party is committed to protecting our precious green spaces from development We can address the housing and biodiversity crisis by bringing empty properties into use to supplement brownfield developments There are over 500 long term empty homes in Tameside I believe in challenging the cost-of-living crisis with a focus on home insulation and home- grown energy from renewables reducing bills while providing cheaper energy We now have four Green MPs and over 800 Councillors The established parties have consistently failed us I have been a resident of Longdendale and Tameside since birth attending Mottram School and raised on a farm in the area to an ethic of hard work I strive to maintain those standards leading me to serve six years in the British army fleet management and also some film and TV work just an average man who feels that the people who live and work in the community are being let down by an administration that has failed and become complacent I aim to question this and make change on behalf of the residents of Longdendale and Tameside I believe Reform is needed for our area and the country It would be an honour to serve the community I believe that I can be the next Longdendale councillor because I not only speak out but create the change that we so desperately need For too long Longdendale has been unrepresented but with me leading the way that will never happen I am from Hattersley and I work in the community sitting as community group chair for Reach 4 Change I love our community and want to make life better for residents by delivering on your priorities we secured £228m for the A57 link road—helping ease congestion Yet Labour councillors oppose it while simultaneously backing thousands of new cars on Godley Green by building on the green belt Tameside’s Labour-run council lacks joined-up thinking ranking 284th out of 292 councils in the Sunday Times Best Places to Live our borough remains at the bottom of league tables We need a real plan to improve Longdendale—focusing on the basics while driving prosperity and higher standards VOTERS in Longdendale will go to the polls following the resignation of a Tameside councillor As The Correspondent revealed Jacqueline North stepped down from the Labour party and as the area’s representative at the authority a vote to find her replacement will take place on Thursday The decision by the former deputy leader and finance boss came following a tumultuous month in politics for the local Labour group Ms North said radical changes are needed within Labour locally after issuing her resignation letter Earlier in February she had been critical of her former party following the ‘Trigger Me Timbers’ WhatsApp group scandal The scandal saw Gorton and Denton MP Andrew Gwynne sacked as a government minister and 12 Tameside and Stockport councillors suspended from the Labour party Offensive messages from the group made up of local politicians were leaked and sparked public outrage Ms North had urged Labour members to push for a change in its culture believing change would not come anytime soon read: “In recent months I have found myself fundamentally at odds with my political party on a number of fronts and I can see no prospect of that changing in the next two years I do not believe I will be able to continue exercising the influence you deserve on Tameside Council I have therefore resigned from both the Labour Party and Tameside Council “It is likely that a by-election will be called in the coming weeks at which you can give voice to your views on the current local situation “If you are inconvenienced as a result of this I do sincerely apologise It was a difficult decision but there is no good time to resign.” REFORM has comfortably gained its first councillor in Greater Manchester as Labour lost its safest seat in Tameside on a historic night Allan Hopwood was elected in the Longdendale ward with a majority of 422 votes – receiving 911 of the 1,965 votes cast Labour’s Francesca Coates came second with 489 while Kieron Wild of the Conservatives polled third with 242 – after securing five more votes than Amanda Hickling of the Green Party Independent candidate Emma Leyla got 76 votes which was lower than the 27 per cent that the Longdendale ward – which covers Hollingworth Hattersley and Mottram – received in 2024 The by-election was called after the resignation from the Labour Party and Tameside Council of former deputy leader and finance boss Jacqueline North who was elected in 2023 with a majority of 787 As revealed by the Correspondent citing fundamental disagreements with her party and a perceived inability to affect change within the next two years There was a loud cheer from the Reform group when the result – which reflects the strong surge in support in recent times for the right-wing populist party led by Nigel Farage – was announced at around 11.30pm Mr Hopwood joins Jacqueline Owen (Labour) and Gary Ferguson (Independent) – who recently resigned from Labour in protest at the party’s welfare cut proposals – in representing Longdendale on Tameside Council The newly-elected councillor told the Correspondent that his priority will be holding the local authority to account to ensure taxpayers money is being well spent “I think some of the Labour members are feeling a bit of heat from residents when they are not performing as perhaps they should,” Mr Hopwood said “People are disenfranchised and have got to the point where they are desperate for change I’ve found that talking to people when I’ve been going around the cost of living is what is affecting most people and the council tax rise People are living in fear of what the council has got planned next “My first priority will be to hold the council accountable for their dealings in terms of what money they spend We’ve seen things get started and not finished We want to know the money collected in the borough is being used in the correct manner “I want to be a councillor that knows the needs of everybody – from business people to farmers and people living on the estates I’ve lived in all the different areas throughout my life I’ve been in many different situations and I’ve gained a lot of life experience from that.” Mr Hopwood’s agent Robert Barrowcliffe – who stood as Reform’s candidate in Ashton-under-Lyne at last year’s General Election – believes the result is “the start of things to come” in Tameside “It’s credit to Allan and the team around him I’m proud he’s the first Reform candidate to win a council election in Greater Manchester This is the start of things to come in Tameside We’ll do right by the people of this borough Obviously we don’t have a majority on Tameside Council but as a solo councillor he’ll do a good job and hold them to account “You’ve got to knock on those doors and introduce yourself to the people – Allan has done that in a short space of time It shows he connects with people and I couldn’t be prouder of the work he’s put in This is a sign of many more things to come.” As ballot papers were counted at Hattersley Library on Thursday evening it quickly became apparent that it wasn’t to be Labour’s night The Labour group huddled away from the main action while other parties were at the tables counting ballots Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds – whose Stalybridge and Hyde constituency includes Longdendale – was out campaigning and the MP posted on Facebook suggesting that national polls indicated it would be a two-way battle between Labour and Reform Tameside Council leader Councillor Eleanor Wills felt the result was “indicative of a really challenging climate at the minute” but that there were numerous factors at play which led to the outcome “I’m really upset with the result because Fran would have been an absolutely amazing councillor for Longdendale and I feel like Longdendale have missed out on a great councillor,” she told the Correspondent I think it’s indicative of a really challenging climate at the minute and I think that myself as leader of our Labour group needs to take stock and reflect what people within Longdendale have felt and reflected We need to go and have a look at how we communicate to the residents of Tameside – the things we are delivering for them because perhaps some of that isn’t translating on a local level That’s really important to me that they understand the things we are doing and how that positively impacts their lives “We’ve had quite a few national stories that have transpired that people have found unpalatable that have affected their lives potentially and equally we have had a bit of a tumultuous time in Tameside Also there’s the unpredictability of a by-election the turnout and confusion with messaging around county council elections on May 1 – there are many different factors for the result But we will reflect on this and come back stronger.” Francesca Coates – who came within 200 votes of being elected in Stalybridge South in 2023 – said it had been “really positive on the doorsteps” but admitted this campaign had been “a little more hostile” than she had previously experienced “I think that might just have been because of the different parties standing,” she added “I’m used to quite a positive campaign and I’m quite a positive person myself I think some of the international politics has been quite difficult this time – I’ve actually not had to talk about international politics on the doors in the past Amanda Hickling said she put her hat into the ring because she felt a need to “do local politics better” and believes the Green Party are not just committed to environmental issues “People need a choice and they don’t always realise there are other choices aside from the main parties,” she said “I think for us it’s about getting the message across – we look at different issues but obviously we are a party of the people and we want people to have better lives I don’t think people realise those policies are there as well they just think the Green Party is all about the environment “I think it’s about making a difference in a positive way A lot of this area is very set in its ways – it’s had a Labour council for a very long time and we need to look at doing something different.” Kieron Wild admitted that some Labour and Conservative voters had indicated on the doorsteps that they would vote for Reform while there was particular unhappiness with how the Labour administration has run the borough “There has been complacency in the Labour Party – they have been in power in Tameside for over 40 years and they have taken people for granted,” the Conservative candidate opined “We [the Conservatives] have some good councillors in Tameside we just need more seats because we can oppose and question things it’s difficult against the masses of Labour I think historically it’s been a Labour area but if we can expose their inadequacies hopefully we’ll get more councillors elected.” who described herself during the campaign as a self-declared ‘community activist’ said she wasn’t surprised by Jacqueline North’s decision to resign and wanted to stand to give local people a different voice in the community she calls home “I just wanted to give people a choice of having someone who would do the job with passion and actually make change I’ve lived here all my life and I don’t just want to change Hattersley I will continue to work overtime to give a lot to this community.” Councillor Gary Ferguson made the shock decision to leave the party at the beginning of last week which Labour have described as ‘disappointing’ But now he has spoken out against his old party The Longdendale councillor branded the organisation ‘toxic’ and regarded the recent intervention from Labour’s National Executive Board (NEC) as unacceptable.   The NEC appointed a campaign improvement board (CIB) in October to bring about a ‘culture change’ at the authority It came following repeated failures in the council’s children’s services – but the interruption was not wholly welcomed The  last straw for the ex-Labour politician was the recent welfare cuts announced in the Spring Budget which meant thousands on disability benefits could lose out on financial support Councillor Ferguson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “The reasons why I am leaving the Labour Party are many and varied In principle I find myself in dispute with many aspects of our national policy and the recent welfare cuts “The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has I believe this is not right and will have a devastating effect on some of the most vulnerable within our community “The fact that an extra 50,000 pensioners will be placed in relative poverty this year with announcements on fuel cuts is really difficult to accept from a Labour government The marginalisation of councillors and the way in which appointments are made to the executive board “This is the best way forward for my constituents and the residents of Tameside “I believe that the way the council is being controlled suggests to me there is a hidden agenda that undermines the principle of a locally elected council if you feel let down or betrayed by this decision it has taken a lot of soul searching and I believe is the only position left open to me.” He went on to say that he will continue to serve the residents of Longdendale as best he can He thanked all those who have supported him following the decision A Labour spokesperson added: “Labour inherited a broken welfare system from the Conservatives which risked a generation of young people being written off and millions of people who want to work not getting the support they need “Labour will deliver a social security system that is fit for the future.” VOTERS in Longdendale face a five-way choice of who they want to be their next councillor at a by-election As The Correspondent reported, the resignation of Labour’s Jacqueline North created a vacancy. Now the contenders for the seat for when the area goes to the polls on Thursday Francesca Coates will stand for the Labour Party after previously standing in neighbouring Stalybridge South – coming within 200 votes of being elected Conservative opposition will come from Kieron Wild who came second in the poll last year behind Cllr Jacqueline Owen While Reform UK will also be fielding a representative with Allan Hopwood declared as standing for them The Green Party will be represented in the form of Amanda Hickling while Emma Leyla a self-declared ‘community activist,’ will stand as an Independent candidate EXCLUSIVE ANOTHER Tameside councillor has resigned from the Labour Party in protest at their welfare cut proposals Gary Ferguson also believes the ‘toxic culture’ that… A SENIOR Tameside councillor has resigned from her seat as she is ‘fundamentally at odds’ with Labour who once held the post of first deputy when Cllr Gerald Cooney was leader is stepping down from representing Longdendale And she did not hold back in how she sees the state of the ruling party a by-election will take place after the now former Cllr North said ‘no more.’ adding she is ‘grateful’ for being elected for four years in May 2023: “In recent months I have found myself fundamentally at odds with my political party on a number of fronts and I can see no prospect of that changing in the next two years “I have therefore resigned from both the Labour Party and Tameside Council “It is likely that a by-election will be called in the coming weeks at which you can give voice to your views on the current local situation “If you are inconvenienced as a result of this I do sincerely apologise “It was a difficult decision but there is no good time to resign I judged that on balance you would want a fresh election to give voice to your up-to-date opinions if you have requested my help but the issues are still not resolved Councillor Gary Ferguson has kindly volunteered to take these up for you I can assure you that my great Longdendale Labour colleagues will endeavour to offer you an excellent candidate to vote for at a by-election “Regardless of your voting decision I wish you all the best for the future.” who will still be a volunteer at Hattersley’s Bread and Butter Thing adds to the chaos that has engulfed Tameside’s Labour Party are currently suspended pending an investigation into the notorious Trigger Me Timbers WhatsApp group will face a motion of no confidence at an extraordinary meeting of the authority on Tuesday The ad-free version is ready for purchase on iOS mobile app today we couldn't find that page";var n=e.querySelector("h2");return n&&n.remove(),{staticContent:e,title:t}},d=function(e){var t=document.createElement("button");return t.innerText=e,t.classList.add("error-page-button"),t},f=function(e){var t=document.createElement("div");t.id="recirculation-404",t.classList.add("brand-hint-bg");var n="\n \n \n Tick here if you would like us to send you the author’s response 29 AUG 2024BookmarkVideo LoadingVideo UnavailableClick to playTap to playThe video will auto-play soon8CancelPlay nowIt's time to start thinking about your child’s next steps as the school application window opens for Year 6 pupils Transitioning to high school can be both exciting and daunting which is why Longdendale High School is dedicated to making the process as smooth and supportive as possible You can see for yourself at an Open Evening on Thursday It's an ideal opportunity to learn more about the school and understand the support available to students Presentations by the new Head of School at 5pm and 7pm will provide insights into the enriching opportunities available for students at Longdendale High School and there will also be chances to win prizes Longdendale is dedicated to 'excellence and ambition for all' Instilling these values helps shape their students into compassionate The Longdendale Legacy is a commitment to nurturing these values in every student empowering them to apply these principles in everything they do and carry them forward into their futures The school aims to provide top-quality education and support to ensure that every student enjoys their time you join a forward-thinking community dedicated to nurturing curiosity and character It celebrates students' achievements and continuously strives for academic and personal success Recent Ofsted feedback highlighted students' excellent behaviour and the positive impact this has on their learning Longdendale High School is dedicated to fostering academic excellence through a broad Experienced and passionate teachers provide personalised support to ensure every student reaches their full potential students have the tools they need to excel The inclusive and vibrant community celebrates diversity and cultivates the values of respect Longdendale offers a wide range of extracurricular activities The Enrichment Electives programme fosters personal development across three pillars: Academic Students participate in activities such as Debate Club ensuring they gain diverse experiences that nurture curiosity and creativity A strong pastoral care system provides emotional and social support helping students grow into well-rounded individuals ready to face future challenges Committed to preparing students for future academic and career success Longdendale High School has a strong track record of student achievement and emphasises personal development It aims to ensure every child at Longdendale feels valued The inclusive environment and commitment to pastoral care have earned the school recognition as a National Flagship School for Inclusion with a commendable SEND review from the National Association for Special Educational Needs The dedicated Inclusion Team works tirelessly to provide personalised support including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) receive the resources and assistance they need So join a community that believes in 'excellence and ambition for all' Longdendale High School benefits from strong collaboration and partnerships enhancing educational opportunities and supporting continuous development With access to modern facilities and a wealth of resources your child will join a school dedicated to inspiring and empowering every student to achieve their best and become the compassionate courageous and capable leaders of tomorrow Learn more about what Longdendale High School has to offer at the Open Evening on Thursday If you can't attend the Open Evening or would like a personal tour For more information, advice, and guidance on the application process and how the school will support your child’s transition, visit www.longdendalehighschool.org.uk LONG story short – GCSE grades at Longdendale High school are great Pupils in Hollingworth achieved ‘significant improvements and continued excellence in education’ – especially in English and Maths and four sevens and is progressing to Ashton Sixth Form College to study Biology She said: “I am so grateful for all the support I have received from teachers and staff at Longdendale High School and am proud to have been Head Girl “I feel the role has really helped towards my achievements and I am delighted with my results” Head Boy Logan was also proud of his results achieving three eights three sevens and three sixes and will join Lottie at Ashton Sixth Form College to study Biology English saw significant progress in the nine-four grade range – A*-C in old money While both English and Maths demonstrated improved performance in the higher nine to five and nine to seven grades Longdendale has also seen an encouraging rise in its EBacc pass rates while continuing to excel in a wide array of subjects with particular improvements noted in triple Science These subjects saw a marked increase in student attainment leaving head Andrea Jones delighted in her final year She said: “These achievements are a reflection of the hard work and resilience of our students and the support of our parents and the wider community “We are immensely proud of all our students and their accomplishments “It has been an honour to be with these students this morning to celebrate their results as I retire from Longdendale after 22 Years will continue to build on this success and we look forward to even greater achievements in the future.” ANOTHER Tameside councillor has resigned from the Labour Party in protest at their welfare cut proposals Gary Ferguson also believes the ‘toxic culture’ that has been cited locally still exists But unlike former Longdendale ward colleague Jacqueline North After being conspicuously absent from the ‘Your Longdendale team’ section of the leaflet for current candidate Francesca Coates ahead of the forthcoming by-election Now Cllr Ferguson has told The Correspondent he has walked away from Labour after Rachel Reeves’ proposals to adjust the welfare system in her spring statement He believes they will have ‘a devastating effect on some of the most vulnerable within our community.’ And he cannot stand by and be under the same umbrella Cllr Ferguson said: “The reasons behind my resignation are many and varied but in principle I find myself in dispute with many aspects of our national policy including Labour’s recently announced welfare cuts “I believe these policy decisions are not right and will have a devastating effect on some of the most vulnerable within our community “These cuts follow on from the fact that 50.000 pensioners will be placed in relative poverty this year with the widescale loss of the winter Fuel Allowance “The Office of Budget Responsibility has by its own economic forecast called this policy direction Into question I find this really difficult to accept from a Labour Government.” Cllr Ferguson also took aim at how the Tameside Labour administration is run believing some councillors are ‘marginalised.’ The role of the party’s national executive committee in the council’s business has been questioned repeatedly not least by former leader Cllr Gerald Cooney who told of the ‘soul searching’ he did before his decision the toxic culture I believe existed still exists “The marginalisation of councillors and the way in which appointments are made to the executive board are not in in the best interest for Tameside residents and businesses “Although I have resigned from the Labour Party I will carry on serving the residents of Longdendale as your local independent councillor “May I take this opportunity to thank everybody for their messages of support and encouragement “I sincerely apologise if you feel let down by my decision it has a taken a lot of soul searching on my part but I have reached the conclusion that is the only position left open to me.” The Correspondent also approached Longdendale Councillor Jacqueline Owen about Cllr Ferguson’s omission from the election leaflet LABOUR losing one of its safest seats in Tameside is a ‘clear message’ as its council ‘needs to deliver more for people,’ says MP Jonathan Reynolds Allan Hopwood became Reform UK’s first ever councillor in Greater Manchester when he swept home in a by-election on Thursday His 911 votes placed him 422 ahead of Francesca Macdonald Coates who had hoped to retain Labour’s control following the resignation of Jacqueline North But that result, along with Cllr Gary Ferguson quitting the party to stand as an Independent leaves only Cllr Jacqueline Owen in what was regarded as a strong seat she won the local election with a majority of 950 showing how big a swing this result represented himself a former Longdendale councillor and in whose constituency the ward sits admitted this cannot be ignored or brushed off The country’s Business Secretary told the Correspondent: “Residents in Longdendale have sent a clear message and we must hear that and respond “It’s clear that many people feel frustrated and I want to be clear that has been heard “The council needs to deliver more for people which is why I wholeheartedly welcome the efforts of the new leader and chief executive to do things differently and communicate much more actively with residents “We must now double down and show residents that it is only Labour who can deliver the services strong local economy and security people deserve “Delivering for the people of Tameside – as a Secretary of State and as a local MP – has always been and will remain my top priority from introducing better rights for workers to supporting businesses through our industrial strategy and delivering key infrastructure like the Longdendale bypass.” The new Cllr Hopwood’s win is seen by many as the first of a wave of support for Reform UK and the win did not go unnoticed by its leader He took to social media to proclaim: “This is Reform UK’s most extraordinary win yet “Longdendale is the safest Labour ward deep in their heartlands Labour’s vote is coming to us in the Midlands and the North.” added to the four MPs it has in the House of Commons only makes the level of scrutiny it should face even higher He added: “I congratulate the winning candidate and wish him well in the role “But it is important longer term that Reform are held to the same level of accountability as anyone else as often people are surprised to see their positions on the NHS I care very strongly about the views and feelings of local people and assure villagers the whole local Labour team will continue to reflect on this result.” PREPARATIONS are being put in place ahead of the construction of the much-debated A57 link roads in Tameside a lane closure will take effect on Mottram Moor between the Back Moor traffic lights and the Gun Inn pub in Hollingworth Traffic will be in single file in both directions as a pedestrian island is removed which National Highways say will “allow for more flexible layout adjustments in the future” a section of the road between the Back Moor traffic lights and the bus layby will see an eastbound lane closure with single file traffic in both directions “It will enable critical work to take place such as utility diversions which is one of our first activities,” a spokesperson for National Highways said “We want to reassure you that we are committed to minimising disruption to road users and residents whilst ensuring work is carried out safely.” They add that further roadwork dates are yet to be confirmed and will be announced in due course the traffic island has been removed and new traffic lanes have been installed between the junctions of Stalybridge Road and Edge Lane One lane has been maintained in each direction while narrowed lanes will be in place until the link roads have been constructed Two new link roads will be built including a dual carriageway from M67 Junction 4 to a new junction on the A57(T) at Mottram Moor and a new single carriageway link from the A57(T) at Mottram Moor to a new junction on the A57 in Woolley Bridge the project – which seeks to reduce congestion through Mottram and increase reliability of journeys between Manchester and Sheffield – was given the final go-ahead last year after legal challenges failed AN ASPIRING teenage footballer has been chosen to represent Scotland’s Under-17s team in their upcoming European qualifying matches has recently received her GCSE results from Longdendale High School after attending a four-day selection camp in Scotland the 16-year-old is looking forward to games against Northern Ireland Her proud dad Stuart said: “We are so thrilled for Neve to get this call-up as she really worked hard in the recent selection camp to earn her place.” Neve now plays for Liverpool’s Under-21s team having recently been given a two-year contract which includes attending higher education on site at their Melwood training base She is part of a 20-player pool preparing for the trio of qualifiers ahead of next summer’s European Championship in Faroe Islands at 11.30am before taking on Northern Ireland three days later at the same time The final match against Poland takes place on Monday All three matches will take place at Broadwood Stadium in Cumbernauld and will be streamed live on the Scotland National Team YouTube channel As we reported recently Neve – who has ambitions to be a professional footballer – started playing around six years old and attended Dukinfield Youth Soccer School on Saturdays She played for them at Under-8s and Under-9s level before moving to Stalybridge Celtic Juniors in the East Manchester Junior Football League After attending trials for Manchester City’s Under-10s Girls Academy she successfully earned a place and stayed at the club for six seasons before making the switch to Liverpool’s Under-16s last year THIS council seems intent on destroying the Green Belt at Godley Green Ashton Moss and the proposed Mottram bypass more effective and less energy-intensive options in these projects This council should prioritise carbon reduction measures in all its planning They should be at the forefront of everything it does Making Greater Manchester Pension Fund divest from fossil fuels Getting Jigsaw Homes to expand retrofitting of insulation for its tenants (and create local jobs) Using reserves to make grants to homeowners installing solar panels (and create local jobs) Ensuring half of all new-build housing is affordable and to the highest energy-efficiency standards (and creates local jobs) Regularly auditing energy use in council buildings ensuring gas used in council buildings is not fracked and planting trees in town centres A Green councillor would prioritise measures such as these Whatever this council says it is doing about climate change IT HAS been a privilege to represent the people of Longdendale for the last five years – with your support and vote I would be excited to continue for the following four The things I am proudest of are securing almost £70,000 in funding for community projects in the ward in the last 18 months or so getting the Sexual Health and Contraception clinic reinstated in the ward and networking with community groups and individuals to build capacity in Longdendale I will champion local services and activities for children and young people and continue to support community groups to build capacity in Longdendale I will promote Longdendale as an excellent place to invest in bringing jobs and opportunities to our community and continue to campaign for a bus service from Hollingworth to Hyde I am very much a community Councillor and wish to continue working with the people of Longdendale to secure a better future MY NAME is Kieron Wild and I am standing in the local elections in Longdendale Broadbottom and Hattersley to the best of my ability I currently live in Mottram and was born and bred in Hadfield so I am a true local and understand the issues of the area I would like to listen to people’s concerns and opinions And would appreciate your support on Thursday These local elections are for local issues like the Mottram Bypass as well as the overdevelopment of green belt land at Godley Green which will negatively impact everyone in Longdendale Labour is focussing on national issues because they want you to forget that they have been in control of Tameside for 47 years The question I ask is this – is Tameside any better after 47 years of Labour PUPILS at Longdendale High School could not have done any better in this year’s GCSEs – they are officially the best ever The majority of students achieved at least a pass in both core subjects such as English and Maths alongside impressive results across a wide range the school is particularly pleased with the performance of the Maths and Drama departments which have once again secured very strong results The school has also been able to celebrate outstanding success in many other subjects including Music which is based on Spring Street in Hollingworth said: “These results for the Class of 2022 reflect all the hard work and dedication the students have put in over the last five years at the school despite the challenges and disruption to their education over the past two “This is a significant improvement on previous years showing staff and students alike really do live our ethos of “Excellence and Ambition for all!” Headteacher Andrea Jones added: “We are exceptionally proud of our class of 2022 and wish them every success as they take their next steps “During a period that has seen the most significant disruption to the GCSE examination process and education nationally it is especially pleasing to see these excellent and well-deserved results of our students the hard work and resilience our students have demonstrated during their time at the school supported by the commitment and dedication of the staff have been so richly rewarded “We are delighted that the vast majority of our students are now pursuing their chosen pathways into further education at sixth form colleges with several having secured some fantastic work-based apprenticeships.” WHO will get your vote when Tameside goes to the polls on Thursday Residents who are registered to vote can have their say in the local borough elections and also the Greater Manchester Mayoral Elections one new councillor per ward will be elected from nominated candidates to represent the area on Tameside Council Residents can have their say for the ward in which they live There are different ways to vote in the elections: at your local polling station by post or by proxy (appointing someone to vote on your behalf) You will receive a poll card telling you where to vote if you wish to vote in person at your local polling station on May 6 Significant efforts have been made to ensure that all polling stations are Covid safe Voters and staff will be required to wear a face covering (unless they are exempt) observe social distancing and use hand sanitiser which will be made available Voters can bring their own pen or pencil should they wish to do so you will receive a voting pack in the post including instructions on how to vote Make sure you send it back so that it arrives by 10pm on election day The counts for local elections will commence at 11am on Friday Ashton-under-Lyne and is expected to be completed by 4pm To find out more go online: www.tameside.gov.uk/elections/ or call 0161 342 8355 Here are the candidates standing in Longdendale ward: MY name is Doris Brierley and I am standing again in Longdendale to give voters the chance to elect another Green councillor alongside my colleague in Ashton His success along with the close second place in Dukinfield has shown that Greens are electable in Tameside It is about time the Council better represented the wider public who are sick of the tit-for-tat bickering between the two main parties Longdendale suffers from poor public transport provision with bus services that are not fit for purpose The Green Party believes we should encourage every alternative to cars so that children the elderly and disabled can travel safely and independently This would relieve congestion for those who rely on their cars As unoccupied housing increases and brownfield sites are left to decay OUR communities and neighbours need someone who is on their wavelength and will make the council work for them I am a solicitor and have had training in community leadership organisational transformation and safeguarding I didn’t see anyone representing the views of families like mine and prioritising the things that matter to them I also saw issues locally that weren’t being tackled Meeting residents is an important part of being a councillor as is liaising regularly with partners such as the police and fire service I also really enjoy the satisfaction of getting a job done be it a new litter bin or resolving an anti-social behaviour problem Knowing you’ve made a difference to someone’s life is fantastic I am keen to improve the life chances for young people I have a strong sense of shared experience with many of the young people in my community: a cultural awareness and an understanding of their background and heritage This means that I speak from a particular vantage point and can convey messages between the community and the council I HAVE lived in Longdendale for the past 28 years in Hattersley I am married with two adult sons and have 21 years’ experience in local government in Manchester and Birmingham crime and anti-social behaviour and now as a volunteer with Citizens Advice I have accumulated a breath of knowledge and expertise that I will be able to draw on • Support resilience within our communities Volunteering with our Covid-19 support group has demonstrated the positive impact all our local voluntary groups can make • Ensure that Longdendale benefits from the re-regulation of our bus network Part of this will be providing a quick response to fly-tipping and the prosecution of those responsible • Find creative ways to attract funding and expand the use of our existing leisure facilities I’ve seen at first hand the impact that Covid has had on our local community and I’m standing for the Liberal Democrats in Longdendale because I want to see our communities doing better as we emerge from lockdown let’s learn the health benefits of lower air pollution and traffic-free roads over the last year to build back a more sustainable and much greener community in the future That means concentrating on brownfield sites for new affordable and energy efficient housing and keeping our communities safe and clean Longdendale is one of the most attractive areas of Tameside but we all know it urgently needs improvements Let’s start by providing new greener skills for young people and help for green start-up businesses Your vote for the Liberal Democrats at these local elections can help make every one of Longdendale’s communities thriving and genuinely sustainable EFFORTS of staff to help pupils through the Covid-19 pandemic and the disruption it brought to their education resulted in great grades at Longdendale High School And the dedication of those working towards their GCSEs has not gone unnoticed by headteacher Andrea Jones The Hollingworth-based establishment has found its Year 11 in a state of flux for more than a year plus the support on hand guided pupils through Andrea said: “With the support of a dedicated team of staff the students have achieved these well-deserved grades “Our staff have worked tirelessly to ensure that our students have continued to be provided with the highest quality learning experiences alongside high levels of care guidance and support in the most difficult of circumstances five-year journey with a group of amazing young people who richly deserve every single grade awarded and who have much to be proud of “We are delighted to see our collective efforts rewarded.” The way grades were decided may have been very different with results awarded through a robust and rigorous process of teacher assessed grades set against national standards but that does not mean there were any less nerves And Andrea saluted the way those getting their results had gone about their work She added: “We are extremely proud of the achievements of our students receiving their grades “This year group has been the hardest hit throughout the Covid-19 pandemic having experienced an interrupted education since March 2020 “This group of students demonstrated huge levels of resilience and adapted successfully to new methods of teaching and learning the challenge of online learning and successfully navigated periods of self-isolation “We are delighted that the majority of our students are now pursuing their chosen pathways into further education at sixth form colleges with several having secured some fantastic work-based apprenticeships.” A NEW school will have even more spaces for SEND pupils after changes to its design were given the go ahead The multi-million pound Hawthorns project will see it relocate from Audenshaw to Longdendale Playing Fields in Mottram Now the £13 million centre will have an extra 26 places after Tameside Council decided to allow alterations to the original design Internal changes to the building will provide the additional spots while amending the specification will allow a provision for pupils with additional language and communication needs Tameside Council and the New Bridge Multi-Academy Trust will fund the £92,324.76 it will cost for the extra spaces equally the authority says it wants by the end of the year a further report to address the intentions for the Audenshaw site currently occupied by The Hawthorns That will be surrendered to the council on occupation of the new site Work is currently ongoing to build the new school off Manley Grove inn Mottram and when finished it will be a one-storey building of 43,460 sq ft with full-size grass playing pitch and a smaller 3G pitch describing the existing site as dated and too small Bosses wanted to open the new building by September but the decision in November detailed the changes that will take place carpets and a physio facility being merged into one room An art room will now be a sensory room while fencing the courtyard design and barriers will also be amended members of Tameside Council’s Speaker’s Panel (Planning) committee agreed with officers that the need for the school outstripped the playing fields’ status as protected green space and that the community will be able to use the improved facilities outside of school hours AN INDOOR bowling centre in a Tameside village described as a vital service for older people in particular has been given a reprieve after it was due to close The Etherow Centre in Broadbottom was set to permanently shut on Friday, September 1, after Active Tameside, which runs the service, announced it would be one of three of its fitness facilities to close Costs rising to more than £2 million a year had forced the trust’s hand after Tameside Council Active Tameside also said the site was earmarked for closure based on current levels of subsidy and the physical fabric of the building was also considered Since the news was made public in early July, local politicians, facility users and members of the community have been fighting to save the dedicated indoor bowling centre on Mottram Road who represents the Longdendale ward which includes Broadbottom has now confirmed that the centre will stay open for the next six months bowlers and interested parties the opportunity to set up an alternative management structure Cllr Owen said: “The Etherow Centre Charitable Trust and bowlers are working with the support of Longdendale councillors and officers to secure the long-term future of this well-used and valued facility “The new venture of short mat bowls and the commitments of other boroughs to host their competition matches at Etherow will be pivotal in securing the financial future “An interim agreement has been reached with the Etherow Trust users of the centre and Tameside Council to keep the facility open until March 31 will investigate becoming a Community Interest Company will do whatever we can to support this much-loved and well-used facility “There’s lots of potential and we’re hopeful of a positive long-term outcome.” feels the permanent closure of The Etherow Centre would have a huge impact on older people They commented: “Closing Etherow will affect many older people in the community as it is the only indoor bowling in the area This is a vital service for the physical and mental health of the older generation and no alternative is on offer “It is an absolute disgrace and Tameside Council should step in and save this faculty instead of spending millions on the centre of Ashton.” welcomed the update and hopes a long-term solution can be found to keep the facility “Really pleased that the Etherow Bowling Centre will remain open for another six months whilst options for a community-led model are explored,” the Labour MP said “Huge thanks to the Longdendale councillors for leading on this Where valuable local assets are able to be run by those who care about them the most Don’t worry it will close in the end Government says risk of Covid-19 transmission in schools is limited due to existing controls Unions have called for teachers and support staff to be allowed to wear face masks in schools in England in order to protect them and help limit the spread of coronavirus The government does not currently recommend the use of face coverings in schools as it says staff and pupils are kept in consistent groups and misuse could increase the risk of transmission There are also concerns that masks could affect communication in classes However, with face coverings now mandatory in most enclosed public spaces across England, including inside shops and on public transport, unions say the current policy in schools is out of step with wider public health policy, and they want teachers and school staff to have the same protection as other workers. With masks also compulsory for children over the age of 11 in these public spaces, the NASUWT teaching union believes there is now a strong case for wearing them to be made compulsory for older children when they return to school in September. “The government’s wider public health advice confirms that whilst children aged under 11 are not required to wear face masks, they are mandatory for children aged over 11 when they visit a range of other facilities,” said the NASUWT’s general secretary, Dr Patrick Roach. “So there is a strong argument that face masks should also be made compulsory for children when they return to secondary schools in September.” Some schools are already taking the matter into their own hands. Neil Strowger, the chief executive officer of the Bohunt education trust, which has seven schools in the south-east of England, said: “We are encouraging our community to wear masks inside, as there is evidence to support their use, but we are clear that students and staff are not required to wear them.” Dr David Strain, a senior clinical lecturer at the University of Exeter Medical School and the co-chair of the medical academic staff committee of the British Medical Association (BMA), did not advocate face masks in primary schools but agreed that masks for teenagers in secondary school – in situations where they could not keep their distance – were a sensible precaution. The BMA, which is one of the top representative bodies for doctors, has said that wherever 2-metre social distancing cannot be observed, including in schools, masks should be worn as a way of limiting transmission. “When it comes to teenagers in secondary school, they are very unlikely to be badly affected by Covid, but there is some evidence that they can be carriers and spread it on,” said Strain. “Therefore the idea of them wearing masks to stop spread around the school – enabling them to potentially take it home to older relatives and also risking teachers – is a sensible precaution.” the director of policy at the Association of School and College Leaders said masks were already in use in schools in some other countries “We expect that most schools will follow the existing guidance although some may decide to use face coverings as an extra level of assurance.” added: “GMB’s position is to allow school staff to wear masks if they want to Staff who may be vulnerable or at increased risk should not be prevented from wearing them.” the deputy general secretary of the National Education Union said: “It remains our view that no member of staff or pupil should be prevented from wearing a face mask if they wish to do so and we anticipate that the majority of schools and colleges will respect this.” A Department for Education spokesperson said: “We have set out the controls schools should use to substantially reduce the risk of transmission of the virus when they open to all children from September “This does not include the wearing of face coverings as we believe the system of controls laid out adequately reduced the risk of transmission to both staff and students.” An earlier version incorrectly stated that the Bohunt education trust had “eight schools in Hampshire” Text about the rules on wearing face coverings in England was also changed to clarify that it is mandatory in most enclosed public spaces By InYourArea Community · 8 September 2021 Photo: Adie Lock has his sights set on competing in the Olympics A young champion kickboxer from Longdendale, Greater Manchester is on his way to realising his Olympic dreams after receiving extended financial backing and support who started kickboxing when he was seven-years-old is setting his sights on competing in the 2028 Olympics after securing a third year of support from the national rail contractors Youth Athlete Programme He will join 13 other athletes from across the UK as he continues to be backed by the programme receiving financial aid to help support his training as well as travel and accommodation costs when training He’ll also receive a new kickboxing fighting kit from QTS Group Adie first started kickboxing when he was seven-years-old after his mum took him to classes to help build his confidence it was clear he had natural talent for the sport and within weeks he was moved up from beginners to the junior class Adie has been competing for over seven years now attending numerous international and national tournaments – including three gold medals in the Turkish Open and five in the Aberdeen Open To ensure he remains committed to his goal of competing in the 2028 Olympics when he turns 20-years-old Adie trains four nights a week at the Energize Martial Arts Academy in Stockport The teenager is also passionate about helping others and helps coach younger kick boxers at the gym Adie’s dad Rob Lock said: “The support from QTS over the last two year has been invaluable as Adie has looked to further his Olympic dreams “With the ongoing support of QTS he’ll be able to continue competing internationally and further his chances of being picked for the 2028 Olympic kickboxing team.” QTS Group launched its Youth Athlete Programme five years ago and to date has helped 22 young athletes across a range of sporting disciplines including “It is a privilege to welcome Adie back on for another year to the QTS Youth Athlete Programme to offer support in his road to glory QTS Group is currently welcoming applications to its Youth Athlete Programme in England email youthathletes@qtsgroup.com by Thursday Get all the latest news, updates, things to do and more from your local InYourArea feed. For more articles from Emma Boff, InYourArea, visit the website here. LoadingDaily Email Updates {{contentTitle}} A gritstone outcrop above Torside Clough on Bleaklow Navigation: good navigation skills required  – summit plateau can be very confusing Strenuousness: gradual climb along Pennine Way; boggy paths on descent are strength-sapping but take care on slippery paths above steep slopes of Near Black Clough Few have a good word to say about this boggy hulk glowering above the busy valley of Longdendale itself a victim of human engineering endeavours It presents an even greater navigational challenge than Kinder Scout and is a place of death Its black peat moorlands shelter the wreckage of six aircraft which have crashed into its unforgiving slopes and more than 20 aircrew have lost their lives on its uplands one could take the George Mallory view: ‘Because it’s there’; but there are plenty more reasons for tackling the second highest hill in the Peak District It is the middle hill of the three peaks that make up the trio of Dark Peak uplands – both geographically and in altitude Sitting between Black Hill to the North and the more visited Kinder Scout to the South it is beaten into second place in the height stakes by a mere 3m (10ft) by its southern neighbour But as Andrew Bibby points out in The Backbone of England (Frances Lincoln 2008) much of Bleaklow has lead contamination double the official measure at which corresponding urban land could be reused without scouring off the topsoil And its dark pools approach the pH of battery acid The heavy industries of Sheffield and Manchester have had their effect on their upland neighbour And countless sheep have also denuded its top leading to peat shorn of any vegetation and prone to further erosion The Moors for the Future partnership is tackling this with reseeding of sphagnum moss and a huge 31km (19-mile) anti-sheep fence has been erected around the summit plateau though an occasional ovine interloper still makes her way under the fence to feast on the heather A massive moorland fire in 2003 also devastated 844ha (2,086 acres) of Bleaklow and killed most of the mammalian wildlife on the summit including the mountain hares for which it is famous The fire was believed to have human origins and eight years later the upland is still struggling to recover Alfred Wainwright in his Pennine Way Companion (Westmorland Gazette 1968) said: “Nobody loves Bleaklow “This section is commonly considered the toughest part of the Pennine Way too often belaboured by rain and wind and frightening in mist.” in Wainwright’s words: “Roll your pants up above your knees” and get out the map and compass which uses the old trackbed of the disused Sheffield to Manchester railway and makes a pleasant start to get the legs warmed up on a nice flat walk before tackling the wild lands of Bleaklow The Longdendale Trail at the old Crowden station Pay-and-display parking is available at the Torside visitor centre SK 068 983 (£3.50 per day in February 2011) where there are toilets and occasionally a chuck wagon For early birds wishing to avoid paying to park there are a few parking places at the old Crowden station at the western end of the Woodhead Reservoir The route alternately passes through woodland and open countryside the huge electricity pylons and thundering traffic of the trans-Pennine road a constant companion as are a few great tits and blackbirds along the route which also forms part of the 346km (215-mile) Transpennine Trail leading from Hornsea to Southport Ignore the signposted route via Wildboar Clough and continue for 1.5km to the Pennine Way where a couple of stiles give access to the track leading to Reaps farm a handsome sign placed by the Peak & Northern Footpaths Society points the way as the path heads uphill to a fence and stile then climbs on to the western and southern lip of the deep ravine of Torside Clough A young red grouse chose to accompany us for five minutes up the path the map shows the raised mound of Torside Castle and a 300m diversion can be made following a tributary gill to the unremarkable rise on the 480m contour Walkers expecting a dramatic crenulated edifice will be disappointed though early speculation had the castle as a Bronze Age remnant latest opinion seems to be that the mound is probably a purely natural glacial feature A partly duckboarded path leads back to meet the Pennine Way where Wildboar Grain meets the waters of Torside Clough Descend to the confluence and cross the brook then follow the left (northern) side of the grain the hills of the North York Moors can be seen Northwards lie Pendle Hill and the Yorkshire Dales Manchester’s Beetham Tower stands out among the high-rise buildings of the city centre and Continue for a couple of hundred metres south-west to admire the romantic probably the only romantic reference you will ever hear used on Bleaklow Retrace your steps to the cairn at Bleaklow then search out a feint path leading on a rough bearing of 60 degrees Prepare to get your boots well and truly muddy If you are in any doubt about your navigational ability this is probably the point to make a decision to retrace your ascent route and make your way back to the valley via the Pennine Way and Torside Clough The path is difficult to follow in parts as it attempts to find its way across the deep peat and groughs of the summit plateau but after 300m or so the running waters of Black Clough are reached Cross to the left (western) bank and use the deepening clough which eventually becomes Near Black Clough A sudden snowstorm blankets Black Clough: a sign that the hill's weather can change in minutes but also distinctly muddy and a test of stamina as the slidy black mud of Bleaklow saps the strength of even the best leg muscles with the words of Wainwright – ‘All who get on it are glad to get off it’ – offering emotional comfort descend the unmistakable handrail of the clough until it meets some scrubby saplings at the top of Birchen Bank Wood Admire the view of Longdendale then follow the path as it cuts back right down a steep slope to meet the waters of the nascent River Etherow Follow the track to the left which leads to a bridge over the river to meet the Longdendale Trail at the western portals of the Woodhead Tunnels These three tunnels formerly carried the busy rail tracks of the trans-Pennine railway but the most recent larger bore is presently the site of major engineering works by contractors working for National Grid The original single-bore Victorian tunnels were bought by the company’s predecessor the Central Electricity Generating Board to carry its 400kV lines from the power stations of south and east Yorkshire to the Manchester conurbation The Woodhead Tunnels' western portals from the old platform of the former Woodhead station on the Longdendale Trail The old bores are deteriorating so in the early 1990s the company bought the 1953 tunnel for its replacement cables The former castellations on the tunnel portals have been removed and mesh covers the rock faces presumably to protect the workforce and the equally ornate mock-castle station has long since been demolished to make way for the new tunnel bore After admiring the human civil engineering efforts continue westwards along the old railway line passing the former platforms of the Woodhead station An easy stroll along the flat route of the Longdendale Trail to the starting point completes the walk I really enjoyed reading this article about my local hills Much as I love Longdendale (even with its Pylons) and the spectacular Torside Clough I would suggest a different route Any first time visitor will leave with a more positive memory by walking on the the 'Sunny side' One starting point on the 'Sunny side' is Shepley Street walk past Mossy Lea Farm on the Doctor's Gate path- Shelf Benches - James's Thorn then on to the rocky Higher Shelf Stones - Hern Stones (via the aircraft wreck 'Overexposed') - Pennine Way - Bleaklow Head - Wain Stones return via a pleasant ridge walk above Dowstone Clough and Yellowslacks back to Old Glossop note: this is just an outline NOT a route to follow (detailed descriptions of this walk can be found in books and on-line) I strongly support one of the authors suggestions - if in doubt on the top Even for my suggested route use the Pennine Way in BOTH directions between Hern Stones - Bleaklow Head and Wain Stones btw You would be very unlucky not to spot some Mountain Hares on this walk Give Kinder Scout a day off - walk Bleaklow We have updated our privacy policy because of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). You can review our updated policy on this page This website and our partners also use cookies to provide authentication You can set your browser to disable these at any time 9 APR 2024BookmarkYou could inspire the future generation by working for Stamford Park Trust (Image: Stamford Park Trust)Stamford Park Trust the Multi-Academy Trust (MAT) is recruiting for a number of roles across their academies and central services to support their focus of providing unwavering support and education for young people and adults The Trust's vision is "excellence and ambition for all." They aim to support their students to be the the very best they can be through a relentless focus on the quality of teaching and learning outstanding pastoral support and a rich and varied enrichment curriculum which provides the space and opportunity to develop key skills for the future The MAT was created in February 2019 and includes Ashton Sixth Form College it aims to have 5,500 students by 2026/27 and is committed to making education better and improving the lives of its students Stamford Park Trust has a supportive yet challenging culture centred on the development of trust and the encouragement of innovation for all who work for or study in its academies They strive to be the very best they can be in all aspects of its work and encourage a collaborative approach to its aims across the Trust Collaboration is also key to improving the quality of teaching learning and outcomes for all academies and supporting young people and adults to improve their life chances through improved outcomes The trust pride themselves in being unashamedly aspirational and ambitious for each of their students and endeavour to support their successful progression to the next stage of their life Stamford Park Trust wants to hear from you Benefits for employees include a strong investment in personal and professional development through an extensive CPD programme free gym membership at Astley Sports Village a supportive occupational health offer and enhanced sick pay This is a very exciting time to join and help shape the growing Trust Co-ordinator of Science at Rayner Stephens said: “I feel fortunate to be a part of the development of the school and science department Rayner Stephens has enabled me to develop and become an experienced practitioner by providing me with many CPD opportunities." a former student at Longdendale and now Head of Modern Foreign Languages said: "I was inspired by my language teachers and developed a passion for languages Now I get to work alongside some of the same teachers who made my life as a student at Longdendale so enjoyable and I continue to learn from them every day I feel very lucky to work at such a supportive school." Design and Publishing Technician at Ashton Sixth Form College said: "It has allowed me to develop my skill-set in more practical areas of reprographics that I wasn't familiar with The support I had received here as a student has been mirrored in my working role at the college hard-working and positive institution." And there are more stories to discover from dedicated staff members across all academies within Stamford Park Trust XFASTINDEX Mottram in Longdendale is on the A57/A628 between Sheffield and Manchester close to the eastern end of the M67 motorway The new dual carriageway would run from the end of the M67 (junction 4) and through a new underpass to the north of Mottram in Longdendale The road would then join the A57 east of the junction with the A6018 (Black Moor) A new single carriageway road is also planned to link the A57 from Mottram Moor to Woolley Bridge taking traffic away from the current route of the A57 along Woolley Lane £200m is the overall cost of the project to Highwasy England; the value of Balfour Beatty's contract is £108m The contractor expects to employ a workforce of 200 on the job Early design works start this summer and construction work is scheduled to start by spring 2023 Highways England project manager Andy Dawson said: “We’re pleased to have a contractor on board for the bypass which will take traffic away from Mottram in Longdendale safer and more reliable journeys for thousands of drivers every day “The bypass is part of a series of improvements we’re planning to improve journeys on the trans-Pennine route between Manchester and Sheffield “We can now start the detailed design work for the bypass and expect to be able to hold a public consultation on our proposals this winter.” Work also started earlier this year to improve the flow of traffic at Westwood roundabout in Tankersley on the stretch of the Manchester to Sheffield route near the M1 in South Yorkshire Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk 6 hours Ebbsfleet Development Corporation is undertaking early market engagement for infrastructure works. 23 hours Following a recent expansion into North America, Murphy Group has now entered Australia. 5 hours Innovative tracked carrier manufacturer among 2025 King’s Award for Enterprise recipients 6 hours Modular construction business Integra Buildings has received royal recognition for its approach to sustainability. 7 hours MTX Contracts has been selected as the preferred bidder to build a diagnostic centre in Pitsea, Essex. 7 hours House-builder Springfield Properties has promoted Darren Thomson to construction director for its north of Scotland operations. © 2025 The Construction Index [Company No ' + response[i].created_nice + ' ' + response[i].description + ' A walker was rescued from a precarious position on a long-distance trail Glossop Mountain Rescue Team was called out by ambulance staff to help a man who had fallen 3m (9ft) from an embankment on the Longdendale Trail The man was lodged on the edge of a drystone wall overlooking another drop and steep banking about half a mile from the nearest road A team spokesperson said: “The team and ambulance crew extracted the casualty maintaining full spinal protection and loaded him on to the stretcher ready for a carry to the waiting ambulance on Padfield Main Road.” The Longdendale Trail through Derbyshire forms part of the Trans Pennine Trail a 346km (215-mile) route running from Hornsea on the east coast to Southport in the West It follows the route of a disused trans-Pennine railway through Longdendale Some articles the site thinks might be related: You can set your browser to disable these at any time.