Ashton Market to finally open, but Greens seek answers

With the grand opening of Ashton's Outdoor Market taking place this weekend, despite some works remaining unfinished, Tameside Green Party is seeking answers.

The Green Party is seeking answers over delays of more than 18 months and a reported 35% increase in project costs.

The Greens have submitted a formal Freedom of Information request to Tameside Council, seeking transparency over a project originally due for completion in March 2025, with an estimated budget of £10.8 million. Subsequent reports suggest costs may have risen to approximately £14.6 million.

The Green Party welcomes investment in Ashton-under-Lyne and improvements to our town centres, markets and public spaces. However, regeneration must not come at any cost or take years longer than promised. Public money must be spent responsibly, with projects properly managed and delivered within agreed budgets and reasonable timescales. Residents and businesses deserve better.

The FOI request seeks a breakdown of the original budget, expenditure to date and forecast final costs, alongside details of additional funding, contract variations and unforeseen expenditure. It also asks about contractual arrangements with the Casey Group and whether financial penalties or compensation have been considered in response to the delays.

Tanveer Ahmed, Green Party Campaigner in Ashton, said:

“Regeneration is important for our town centres and can deliver significant economic, social and environmental benefits. But major projects involve substantial amounts of public money, and residents have every right to expect them to be properly managed and delivered on time and within budget.

“When projects experience lengthy delays and significant cost increases, we need to understand what went wrong and ensure lessons are learned.”

The request also asks whether the Council will undertake a formal review of the project and introduce measures to prevent similar problems with future regeneration schemes.

Tanveer added:

“There must be a clear understanding of what went wrong, who was responsible and what will change. The Council must demonstrate that public money is being protected and that future projects will be delivered more effectively.

“Public investment must go hand in hand with public accountability. Residents and local businesses deserve transparency about what has been spent, why costs have increased and whether the promised improvements are being delivered.”