Update: 500 Signatures Reached – Thank You!
A huge thank you to everyone who has signed and shared the petition – we’ve officially hit our first milestone of 500 signatures! Your support is making a real difference in raising awareness and showing the strength of our community voice.

 
Angela Rayner’s Statement
We have received an official statement from Angela Rayner, Deputy Prime Minister:

In a letter to the Park Bridge Residents’ Action Group and Fund, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner MP said:

“I have raised my concerns regarding the fact that neither your group nor indeed myself as the local MP for this area had been consulted on prior to the decision being made at executive cabinet on July 30, 2025, particularly as the site is of such historical importance and its rural location.

I have made representations to the executive leader of the council, Coun Eleanor Wills, Harry Catherall, chief executive of Tameside Council, Julian Jackson, director of place and Coun Hugh Roderick, executive member (finance and resources), outlining my concerns regarding the sale of the heritage centre and stables, owing to the historical importance of the site and its rural location.

I have also asked whether they had considered any other options for the future use of the site, in particular, the youth offer, which as you state, could give the opportunity for local youth groups, such as scouts and brownies, schools and other organisations to meet and learn about the history of the Park Bridge Iron Works and retain its historical value.”
 
Freedom of Information Request
On 5 August 2025, we submitted a Freedom of Information request asking for:

A full inventory of all historical and heritage-related items, artefacts, documents, or materials currently or formerly housed within the Park Bridge Heritage Centre.

Details on the ownership of these assets – whether they are owned by Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council, held in trust, or on loan from other organisations/individuals.

Information on the current location of these items (e.g. in storage or relocated) since the centre has been closed to the public.

Any records or plans regarding the future of these assets in light of the proposed sale or repurposing of the Heritage Centre.

The council has stated they will aim to respond by 3 September 2025.

 
Council Response
Tameside Council has been approached for comment by the media but has not yet provided a response.

We have, however, received acknowledgement from local councillors Dave Howarth (Ashton Waterloo Labour) and Sangita Patel (Ashton Waterloo Labour), confirming they have received our concerns and are currently investigating the issue.

 
Media Coverage
Press releases have been issued to multiple media outlets. We expect new articles to be published once the council issues an official statement.

 
What’s Next?
This is just the start – here’s how you can help keep up the momentum:

Share the Petition – The more signatures we have, the harder we are to ignore. Share it with friends, family, and community groups.
Write to Your Councillors & MP – Let them know how important Park Bridge Heritage Centre is to you.
Follow Our Updates – We will post as soon as the council’s FOI response and official statement are received.
Join the Action Group – If you live locally and want to get involved directly, we will be creating a facebook group so please keep an eye out for the next update and we will share a link so you are able to join.

Together, we can protect the future of Park Bridge Heritage Centre and ensure it remains a treasured part of our community.