This means it could potentially be sued for any damage or injury sustained at the site.
The arrangement has meant the car park is available to the public free of charge. Regulars users include shoppers, visitors to the nearby doctor’s surgery, and worshippers at Cutgate Baptist Church.
But the council has had to fork out over £20,000 on patching the car park up over the last six years - and says that returning it to ‘pristine condition’ would cost £50,000. The long term cost of running the car park is estimated at nearly £240,000.
There is no specific pot of money for this and any future costs would need to come from the Rochdale Township budget.
A community Christmas tree has been installed in Spotland for the first time.
Initially planned for December 2021, Councillor Rachel Massey requested that the installation of the tree be brought forward to bring some cheer to this festive season.
She said: “2020 has been a dark year and I’m hoping that this tree can spread some light and Christmas joy to our community here in Spotland & Falinge ward, and for the thousands of residents that pass by the bridge every day.”
The Nordmann fir Christmas tree has been funded by the Spotland & Falinge Area Forum, Rochdale Township and ward councillors. The installation includes a tree sleeve and electrical connection that can be used each year, and it is hoped that local businesses will get involved to sponsor the tree and lights.