As 2025 draws to a close, National Highways and its delivery partners on the A57 Link Roads scheme have marked the festive season by giving back to the local community – delivering more than 100 kilograms of food to a Greater Manchester foodbank in time for Christmas.
The donation, impressively equivalent in weight to a baby elephant, was presented to Tameside South and Longdendale Foodbank in Hyde, helping to support families during one of the foodbank’s busiest and most challenging times of year.
While the festive delivery is a timely gesture, it also reflects a broader commitment that has run consistently throughout the past 12 months. The initiative forms part of the wide-ranging social value work undertaken throughout 2025 by National Highways and Balfour Beatty, who are delivering the A57 Link Roads scheme.
A57 Link Roads Senior Project Manager Tom Peckitt said:
“Our team is proud to play an active role in the community and to support local people in practical, meaningful ways. Over the past year we’ve worked with schools, colleges, charities and community groups across the area. It’s not just about building roads – it’s about being a good neighbour and leaving a positive legacy.”
The foodbank, part of the Trussell Trust network, operates as an independent charity and relies entirely on public donations. Alongside tinned and packet items, it also distributes fresh produce and prepares special Christmas parcels, including festive treats such as chocolate biscuits, tins of ham and salmon, and selection boxes.
Balfour Beatty Project Director Eileen Longworth added:
“The response from the A57 team was fantastic. Through everyone’s generosity we were able to donate 109 kilos of food in total. We’re proud of the relationships we’ve built locally and are looking forward to continuing that work into the new year.”
To maximise donations, the A57 Link Roads team organised a workplace tombola, with colleagues donating food items in exchange for tickets. Additional funds raised were used to purchase further essential supplies for the foodbank.
Moira Wallis, from Tameside South and Longdendale Foodbank, said, “We’re incredibly grateful for this donation. Christmas is always a demanding time for us and keeping our warehouse stocked is essential so we can support families who need emergency food parcels. Donations like this make a real difference.”
National Highways and Balfour Beatty reflect on 2025 with festive foodbank donationas the A57 Link Roads scheme progresses.
About the A57 Link Roads scheme
The project includes the creation of two new link roads:
Mottram Moor Link Road – a new dual carriageway from the M67 junction 4 roundabout to a new junction on the A57 at Mottram Moor
A57 Link Road – a new single carriageway link from the A57 at Mottram Moor to a new junction on the A57 in Woolley Bridge
The scheme will transform travel in the North by reducing congestion, improving journeys between Manchester and Sheffield, supporting economic growth, and reducing noise and pollution for communities in Mottram-in-Longdendale.
For more information about the scheme, visit the National Highways webpage.
