Park Bridge Residents’ Action Group & Fund is calling for urgent action after a dangerous sinkhole appeared outside the Park Bridge Institute, just metres from the village war memorial.
A significant sinkhole has opened up on Dean Terrace in Park Bridge, raising serious concerns about public safety and access ahead of the village’s annual Remembrance Sunday service on 8th November.
The road, which runs alongside the popular Park Bridge Institute and opposite the village cenotaph, has been deteriorating for some time. Large potholes and crumbling road surfaces have already left one end impassable, but the appearance of a substantial sinkhole has created an even greater hazard.
Residents, visitors, walkers, cyclists, horse riders and motorists all use the road, alongside service vehicles including Tameside Council’s own refuse collection teams.
With Remembrance Sunday now less than a month away, Park Bridge Residents’ Action Group & Fund is calling for an urgent safety assessment, immediate protective measures and clarity over who is responsible for investigating and repairing the collapse.
Residents previously told to pay for road repairs themselves
Dean Terrace is an unadopted road, meaning it is not maintained by Tameside Council as part of the adopted highway network.
Residents have previously raised concerns with the Council about the deteriorating condition of the road, including the extensive potholes and damaged surfaces.
However, residents report being told that because Dean Terrace is unadopted, they would need to fund the necessary repairs themselves.
This raises important questions, particularly given that the road is used not only by local households but also by visitors, community groups, local businesses and public services.
While responsibility for maintaining unadopted roads can be complicated, the immediate danger presented by a potentially unstable section of road must not be overlooked.
Concerns for Park Bridge’s Remembrance Sunday service
The sinkhole has appeared just metres from the Park Bridge cenotaph, where residents and visitors will gather on Sunday 8th November to pay their respects at the village’s annual Remembrance Sunday service.
The event brings together members of the local community, including older residents, families and those wishing to remember the sacrifices made by previous generations.
With the collapse so close to the memorial, concerns have been raised about safe access to the area.
A spokesperson for Park Bridge Residents’ Action Group & Fund said: “It’s not enough that residents and visitors to Park Bridge already have to contend with speeding cut-through traffic, potholes and crumbling road surfaces. We now have a dangerous sinkhole outside the Park Bridge Institute, posing a serious risk to anyone using the road.
“In less than a month’s time, our community will gather at the cenotaph for its annual Remembrance Sunday service. The prospect of people attending, including older residents, families and those wishing to pay their respects, having to navigate a dangerous road collapse just metres away is deeply concerning.
“Tameside Council has been notified on several occasions about the deteriorating condition of Dean Terrace, but residents have been told they must pay for repairs themselves because the road is unadopted.
“Residents shouldn’t have to wait for somebody to get hurt before action is taken. We’re asking for an urgent safety assessment, clear communication about who is responsible and a practical plan to address the danger.
“With Remembrance Sunday just weeks away, time is running out to ensure people can gather safely to remember those who gave their lives.”
The cause of the Dean Terrace sinkhole has not yet been established
Residents have contacted United Utilities to investigate whether the collapse could be connected to a damaged underground drain or other drainage infrastructure.
Until the cause is identified, it remains unclear which organisation or parties may be responsible for the necessary repairs.
The group is urging Tameside Council, United Utilities and any other relevant parties to work together to establish the cause, assess the risk and determine an appropriate course of action.
Tameside Council have been contacted and the issue has been reported to the highways team, local councilors, and the local MP by residents.