Citizen's Charter

Tameside Countryside Warden Service at Park Bridge

The service

Park Bridge lies on the border between Tameside and Oldham.

For nearly 200 years, Park Bridge Ironworks was a thriving family business. Hundreds of people were employed here and its iron and steel were exported around the world. Nestling in the beautiful countryside of the Medlock Valley, here you can discover the fascinating past of this once busy ironworks.

Set in the old stables, Park Bridge Heritage Centre tells the story of this early industrial settlement up to the present day and the wealth of wildlife that has taken over since its demise.

From bird box building to environmental art, craft days and guided walks... a programme of countryside events runs throughout the year.

Park Bridge is the main headquarters for Tamesides Countryside Service, which is led by the Head of Countryside and a part of Education and Leisure Services.

Work at Park Bridge includes:

• meeting and helping visitors;
• managing and patrolling land in the area;
• organising and running events; and
• working with local schools.

Information officers are on hand to:

• help visitors with enquiries;
• provide information about the Park Bridge area and the local countryside;
• give talks;
• prepare exhibitions at the centre; and
• help to prepare leaflets and booklets about the area.

You can visit the area all year round for free. The Heritage Centre does not charge for admission and is open as detailed below.

The Heritage Centre opening hours

May - September

• Wednesday/Thursday 11.00am - 4.00pm
• Saturday/Sunday 11.00 am - 5.00pm
• Bank Holidays 12.00 noon - 5.00pm

October - April

• Wednesday/Thursday 11.00am - 4.00pm
• Saturday/Sunday 10.00am - 4.00pm
• Bank Holidays 11.00am - 4.00pm

School Holidays

• Tuesday: 11.00am - 4.00pm

The centre holds permanent and temporary displays about Park Bridge and the local countryside. We sell a range of leaflets, maps and books detailing walks in the area. Light refreshments and toilets are also available.

Information staff are on duty in the centre during opening hours, and you can contact the office from 8.30am to 4pm, Monday to Friday on 0161 330 9613.

If you are disabled

The wardens are there to welcome everyone, and have been trained to be aware of disabled people's needs.

The Heritage Centre and immediately surrounding area has been made accessible for wheelchairs.

How much it costs

We have a budget that pays for looking after the river valley areas in Tameside. It costs about £50,000 a year to look after the Park Bridge area. This works out at about 25p a year for each person who lives in Tameside. This amount includes:

• staff salaries;
• the cost of running the centre and looking after the surrounding area;
• running events at Park Bridge;
• working with local schools; and
• putting on exhibitions.

We are committed to providing a quality service

Park Bridge Heritage Centre, The Stables, Park Bridge, Ashton-under-Lyne, Tameside OL6 8AQ

0161 330 9613