Debbie Abrahams MP
Oldham East and Saddleworth MP, Debbie Abrahams, has spoken of her ‘relief’ following a speedy resolution to commuters’ concerns about the potential loss of parking at Greenfield station on the grounds of Saddleworth Rangers ARLFC.
Many commuters, concerned local people and the club itself approached Debbie’s office asking if she could look into why the contract between the rugby club and Transport for Greater Manchester had not been renewed as expected.
Rangers ARLFC Secretary, Peter Townsend, said: “Many people were beginning to fear the worst and assuming that TfGM were not going to renew the contract.
“That would’ve meant commuters being really badly affected by a lack of parking and the knock on effect would have been to block up the local streets with cars.
“From our point of view it would have been a very difficult situation too as we depend heavily on the income generated from the parking spaces we provide TfGM for the station. We’re an amateur club, with no private income, and provide Rugby League facilities for hundreds of children and adults across the area which is why the parking contract is so important to us.
“Anyway I’m really grateful to Debbie for getting straight on to this issue and writing to TfGM who have now confirmed that the new contract is agreed.”
Debbie Abrahams, MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, said: “I’m really relieved for both commuters and the club that this issue has been resolved.”