Residents in Ashton have been left 'devastated' following news that a beloved kids’ ride will be permanently leaving the town centre.
The rides on Market Square in Ashton-under-Lyne have been a popular fixture of Ashton Market, with some claiming that children's rides have been part of the market for 100 years. However, the last remaining roundabout rides now look to be leaving, with reports suggesting at least one will be moved to Blackpool.
One resident took to Facebook to share the news after spotting workers dismantling one of the popular roundabout rides earlier this week. Pete Monro said: “What a shame the Kiddies roundabout is being dismantled and sold, going to Blackpool so I have heard.
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“These have been on Ashton Market for over 100 years in some form or another, there is going to be nothing left of the town soon. No theatre no local cinema no youth clubs no clubs and no local pubs the way things are going [sic].”
It was also suggested that owners have also put the town centre's second roundabout ride up for sale, although this has not been confirmed. But speaking to the M.E.N, Pete added: “They have been sold privately and moving to Blackpool because they were not taking enough money.
"You would think that Tameside would put their hands in their pockets and replace them with something for the kids. If they owned it, the money would go back to them.
"It would make visiting Ashton centre a more attractive proposition, especially for those with children. They are just waiting for a buyer for the last one and then that's it, there won't be anything there.”
A representative for Ashton Market confirmed that the operator of the roundabouts on Ashton Market Ground has removed one of the two roundabouts. They added they were unaware of any additional plans for the removed ride.
Another person said they saw the ride being dismantled and called it a 'shame'. They added: “We went to Ashton yesterday and saw them dismantling the ride. We just thought it was broken or having some maintenance done, what a shame.”
Following the reports, residents in Ashton shared their sadness at losing the rides. One person wrote Ashton under Lyne People page: "My kids love these rides". Another said: "My son is devastated. He loves going on every time we go Ashton."
Another wrote: “How very sad for children today, they will never know the delight of riding on the roundabouts. My two sons who are now adults loved them.” Others shared their thoughts on how Ashton town centre has changed over the years.
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“Remember going on the roundabout when I was a child - only got to go on if I had behaved whilst shopping,” one person said. “The old Ashton has gone. It resembles nothing that I can compare it to growing up. The changes haven’t been for the better.”
Another posted: "It's such a shame this is happening, but the poor people who own the rides are probably selling because they are not making any money due to dwindling numbers visiting the town centre. I'm afraid we're reaping what we sow."
