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“I noticed it after the blockade”: Life in the village of Greater Manchester, which is a tourist hotspot … but is “spoiled”

Perched right on the edge of Salford is the green suburb of Worsley.

Known for its beautiful nature and sights, the rich and picturesque village can be found along the Bridgewater Canal. With its beautiful green areas and Tudor dummy houses in the style of a magpie, this is truly a piece of rural life in the city of Manchester.

Immersed in history, the village is home to 48 listed buildings, including the early medieval Wardley Hall mansion, courthouse, fountain and telephone booth. Worsley Delph a former coal mine has been declared a monument.

Significant parts of the village are now designated protected areas, including Worsley Old Hall and the former Worsley Old Hall Farm. Some areas are even considered World Heritage Sites. There are also 75 acres of beautiful forests that stretch from the canal to East Lancashire Road.

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But despite the stunning surroundings, some Worsley Green residents say one thing is spoiling village life – traffic.

Steve Birch has lived in Worsley all his life. The 63-year-old man was a child and lived in Worsley Woods when the M60 was built.

Steve Birch (Image: Paige Oldfield)

“This has changed dramatically over the years,” he said Manchester evening news. “You can’t move without sitting in traffic. But there are good places, nice walks, nice people and a lot of history and nice properties.

“Just because it is a popular area, you have a lot of people visiting the village because of the canal and the walks. I guess it brings little revenue to small shops and cafes. But parking is difficult and increases traffic. “

Resident Julie Miller says green is often used as a running rat – with overcrowded cars coming as a concern for those with young children and pets.

“I’m just a little worried about a lot of people running on green rats if the road is busy,” she said. They run at high speeds and when you have babies and dogs on the green, it’s a little worrying.

“I do not think they have any respect for the people who live here. You are used to being quiet. After the blockade, everyone comes. Everyone has to share; this is a nice place. This is not a problem.

Worsley Green (Image: ABNM Photography)

“But I noticed it after the blockade and people park in front of the houses. I’m not precious; it’s not as beautiful as it used to be.”

Jaqui Pollock recently moved to Worsley from Eccles. Although she loves stunning views and walks, she says traffic is “probably the most annoying thing.”

“Something must have happened on the highway a few nights ago, maybe road works and a crossroads were closed,” she told MEN “About 30 to 40 trucks passed the house in an hour.

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“But the rest is wonderful, it’s easier to be healthier here and it’s easier to enjoy the outdoors. You have less excuses to go out.”

A woman who declined to give her name has lived on Worsley Green for about 20 years. She says the area has become busier since the opening of RHS Bridgewater.

“I have lived here for 20 years. It hasn’t changed much, but it has changed a lot in a way, “she told MEN “I don’t think much has changed with my immediate environment, because no one will build on the green on my back. What has changed is beyond what I see – it has become more busy and now we have RHS.

Worsley Green (Image: ABNM Photography)

“My personal problem is the level of green opportunists. Local companies appear. This is a residential area at the end of the day.

“It’s okay, I’m not trying to exclude everyone. But I don’t think every visitor to the green appreciates it. It’s busier because of the tourists and people use it as a rat run and they use it quite a bit, so it’s worrying.

“I do not think it is very safe. There is also a problem with people who park in the green. I appreciate that people will take advantage of the opportunity when they see it, but it is not always the best for the residents.

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“The reason it’s so beautiful is that it’s so intact. If it starts to deteriorate, it becomes a problem and it will no longer be beautiful. “

Barry Silver, 77, described the area’s traffic as “horrifying” – fearing chaos could cause a serious accident one day.

Barry Silver, 77 (Image: Paige Oldfield)

“It’s a wonderful place to live, as you can see,” he says. “But the traffic is terrible – early in the morning the peak hours are heavy on this road. The roundabout is a living disaster. There will be a serious accident at traffic lights one day.

“The amenities are good; we have places to eat and many places to walk. This is not a public road and is used as such. In the morning it is used for running rats.

“When people want to use green, they park their cars here and we’re not very happy about that. Food vendors attract a lot of people.”

Greg Skipworth moved to the area about seven months ago. He says Worsley has a “community feel” and is “perfect” in the summer.

“Love it. “We moved around the corner to Ellesmere Park,” said the 33-year-old. “We’ve always loved it because we walk the dogs here. There is a sense of community, which is nice and just perfect in the summer.

Greg Skipworth, 33 (Image: Paige Oldfield)

“It’s beautiful. We were very lucky to get it because I don’t think houses are sold here very often. We were excited.”

Rachel Jones has lived on Worsley Green for about 12 years. She believes the area has become more popular with tourists since the blockade – but says it’s not necessarily a bad thing.

“It’s just wonderful to live here,” said the 57-year-old. “You feel like you’re on holiday. There’s greenery, canal and forest walks and a real sense of community.

Rachel Jones (Image: Paige Oldfield)

“You can’t complain about travel connections; it’s so fast to highways and airports and to Manchester. Ideally, RHS Bridgewater is a real bonus and really attracts people. We love him.

“During the blockade, it was a place where everyone came and many more people found it. I think it has become more touristy, but it’s a good thing – everyone can enjoy it. “

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