For Hopwood residents public transport is falling far short. Reaching care, work or education should not feel like a daily obstacle course, yet that is the reality many face.
A trip to Rochdale Infirmary means three buses and close to an hour each way, even on a good day, similarly travelling to North Manchester General Hospital often requires a change in Middleton, adding stress for patients, carers and NHS staff.

Iain Donaldson said that “For those of us travelling to work in Manchester, the 163 route (either to the City or to the Metrolink in Bury, winds through Darnhill one way and Langley the other, turning what should be a direct half-hour journey into a 90-minute crawl at peak times. That can mean 15 hours a week on a bus just to hold down a decent job.

“This is not joined-up planning. It is a patchwork system that punishes people for where they live. Liberal Democrats believe our community deserves reliable, direct links. A single route connecting Rochdale Infirmary, Hopwood, North Manchester General and Manchester would cut journey times, support local jobs and improve access to healthcare.

Iain added that “One clear route. Fewer changes. Fair access for all. It is time to put Hopwood back on the map.”

The Government’s new pothole rating has delivered a stark warning that our roads are crumbling!

The Department for Transport introduced its traffic-light system to improve transparency, but for many residents the red rating simply confirms what they see every day: roads are worsening and the Labour-run council is failing us.

Liberal Democrat campaigner, Iain Donaldson, told Focuse “The best-practice scorecard shows missing key maintenance standards, which endangers everyone who relies on safe streets. Potholes are not statistics, they mean burst tyres, repair bills, and safety risks that could be avoided with proper upkeep.”

“This red rating reflects years of Labour bungling at the Town Hall. Residents deserve prompt repairs and a serious, long-term plan to stop the cycle of patch-and-fail.”

“With clear priorities, sustained investment, and stronger oversight, our roads can be restored, we want action, not excuses, and we will keep pressing for the improvements our community deserves.

Figures from the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) reveal that Manchester Road in Hopwood endures average noise levels of 70–74 decibels, well above what is safe for residential areas. 

At these levels, families face constant disturbance, broken sleep, and increased risks to heart health. Long-term exposure to excessive noise is linked to high blood pressure and stroke. Residents along this route deserve action, not excuses.

Local Liberal Democrat campaigner Iain Donaldson told FOCUS “Much of the problem comes from heavy lorries cutting through from Queen Elizabeth Way rather than using Pilsworth Road. This through-traffic unfairly harms Hopwood households.”

Meanwhile, Rochdale Council’s proposed “Hopwood Triangle” scheme could divert even more vehicles onto Manchester Road, worsening the impact.

Iain added that “Liberal Democrats stand for practical, community-first solutions. Enforcing weight and size limits on Manchester Road would curb lorry traffic, lower noise, and put residents’ first.”

No sooner does one utility firm finish work than another arrives, this time closing part of the route to lay electricity mains across Heywood Station bridge.

Local campaigner Iain Donaldson says “We have endured chaos for over three years. While necessary repairs reflect years of neglect by privatised companies, coordination is overdue. Proper planning would protect residents, drivers, and local businesses from needless frustration. 

“Liberal Democrats demand stronger oversight and coordination between the Council and the Utility companies to minimise these disruptions.”