The town centre roadworks dividing residents

The centre of Stalybridge has been a maze of roadworks and blocked footpaths since February.

Armentieres Square was the first in a string of improvements planned for the town by Tameside council. The town hall’s vision is to ‘make the area greener, safer, and more welcoming for residents, visitors, and businesses’.

Improvements across Market Street; Armentieres Square; Trinity Street; Grosvenor Square; Corporation Street and Old Town Hall Gardens; upgrading lighting and surfaces to offer safer pedestrian routes; and new areas for events and community use are planned.

The works have been a bugbear for residents, with posts on social media bemoaning the project. The works, which form part of the Stalybridge Regeneration Programme, are due to be completed by mid-August. 

Former publican Alan Slack said he believes the work has put people off going into the town centre and that noise disturbance and rerouted buses have decreased footfall.

The 69-year-old added: “There are less people because of all the road closures. I only live around the corner. But nine out of 10 times we go into Ashton because there are more shops.

“When I first came here in 1986 you used to be able to walk down one side and the other with a good selection of shops. You could spend hours here.

“Now you’re terrified about coming out because of all the crime and antisocial behaviour. That’s driving people away. This work adds to that issue. 

“The Armentieres Square work is a nightmare and it doesn’t look any different. The buses now come in down the bottom and it’s a long walk into the centre. 

“If they get some decent shops and more people coming in and get on top of bin collections it could be good. Just tidy the place up and get some good shops here.

“You can come down here some days and count on one hand the number of people. I don’t think many would come if there wasn’t a Wetherspoons.”

Ros Scott-Bates added: “This is affecting everyone travelling into Stalybridge and out as the buses have been rerouted. The shops and cafés are suffering badly and the council can’t or  won’t say when the works will finish.

“I don’t want Stalybridge to die out and become a desert of nail bars, barbers and vape shops. Stalybridge has a lot going for it but the council appear to be dragging their feet getting things done.”

When we visited the town, Magpies, Nonna’s and Florence & Amelia’s were all doing a roaring trade on a sunny midweek day.

One visitor was council leader Eleanor Wills. The Labour councillor was out with son Dexter and councillor Stephen Homer. They spoke highly of the work being done to improve the town centre.

The majority of town centre regulars agreed with the council leader.

Tony O’Keeffe, 56, said: “It’s dragged on a bit as it started in February. They’ve taken a while to do the road. 

“I can’t say it’s caused me much stress as I just walk. I can’t say there have been less people coming in either as people tend to walk in, but parking has always been an issue here.

“They’re spending money to spruce it up. It’s a good thing they’re doing that and maybe it will bring in more people and maybe more shops. 

“Ashton has a bit more variety and choice than here. It’s more scenic here but sometimes you have to go elsewhere for other things. 

“Suffer short-term and hopefully gain in the long run when it’s done and dusted.”

Stopping on her stroll down Melbourne Street, Lesley Cohen said: “I’ve not had issues with it. The only problem is the buses, but it’s not  an issue because you just walk a bit further. The cafés are all still busy.

“People always kick up a fuss for no reason. There are worse things to worry about. I’m happy there’s investment in the town. 

“There is always something going on. I know they do have a lot of events here with the food and comedy fest. It’s a good place to live.”

Former councillor for the area, Sam Gosling, was walking past Stalybridge Civic Hall, which has recently been revamped as part of the town centre’s regeneration work. He believes that good things will come to Stalybridge if people have patience.

The 41-year-old said: “If you look online or in local media, it’s the same 30-40 people. If the streets were paved in gold it wouldn’t be good enough. 

“Over the last five years, cafés have opened on Armentieres Square and craft beer places over on Market Street – it’s massively improving. Some businesses won’t like this work but it is nearly done – these things take time. 

“They try to do it with the least disruption. I think it’s getting there and looking good. 

“It had a Staly Vegas theme in the 90s and there was trouble as a result. Now they want to change things.

“I think people need to stop moaning. They moan when nothing is happening so they can’t moan when things are happening.”

Later in 2026, improvements will also take place along Market Street and neighbouring side streets. 

Tameside council’s deputy leader and growth, housing and homelessness, Cllr Andrew McLaren said: “The work is providing investment across Stalybridge by improving access to public areas and streets, revitalising cultural and heritage features and releasing land for new businesses and homes in Stalybridge West.

“The Armentieres Square pavement and road surface works are progressing on schedule and are currently expected to be completed mid August, allowing buses to return to the square. The wider improvements in the square, including additional street furniture and planted areas, are then expected to be fully completed by September 24. 

“The works have been completed in phases around Armentieres Square to allow traffic to continue to use the square during the works in one direction and also to enable community events such as the popular monthly Stalybridge Street Fest, that brings huge footfall into the town, to continue.  

“We will soon be starting the next phase of work on Market Street. This will allow for wider pavements, increased parking bays, replacement lampposts with new heritage lighting columns, improved street furniture and planted areas. 

“This in turn will reduce traffic speeds and make the areas safer and more attractive for residents, businesses, shoppers and visitors. The projects have been designed to link together and form an attractive, better-connected town overall, which highlights Stalybridge’s historic character and local identity, make its green spaces and canals more accessible, and attract even more businesses and visitors.

“The works are progressing well and they are positive for the town going forwards, supporting Stalybridge’s growing reputation across the region as a vibrant and inclusive historic town centre destination.”