World War One battle streets to be re-dedicated in Rochdale

Five streets in Rochdale named after World War One battles will be re-dedicated today during a public ceremony in the town.

Residents are invited to attend the event at 1pm on Sunday 13 December, held as part of Rochdale Borough Council's World War One centenary commemorations.

Mons Avenue, Falkland Avenue, Jutland Avenue, Marne Crescent and Verdun Crescent will be re-dedicated as part of an ongoing programme to help ensure future generations understand about sacrifices made during past conflicts.

The dedication service will be held at the corner of Jutland Avenue and Longfield Road. As part of the re-dedication, new commemorative road signs will be installed, along with an information board giving a description of each of the battles.

A street closure will be in place prior to the service and will run from Longfield Road South from the junction of Falkland Ave to Jutland Ave, and from Jutland Ave East from the junction of Marne Crescent to Longfield Road. Additional parking will be available at Spotland Stadium, Willbutts Lane, Rochdale OL11 5DS or the nearby Denehurst Cemetery.

To find out more about the streets, the battles behind their names and to watch a video featuring actor Bill Ward talking about each one visit www.rochdale.gov.uk/armedforces

The council signed the Armed Forces Community Covenant in 2012, aimed at encouraging local communities to support services that promote and encourage activities that help integrate armed forces personnel back into civilian life.