Dobcross memorial demolished by van

Dobcross residents look at the Ramsden Memorial Fountain in the village square which was demolished by a runaway van

An out-of-control van has demolished Dobcross village’s historic memorial.

The white Ford Transit is thought to have suffered a handbrake failure on Christmas Eve, after which it rolled down Sandy Lane and smashed the Ramsden memorial fountain into three pieces. The crash also left electrical wires exposed and wrecked a bench.

The fountain was put up near the Swan Inn in 1901 to commemorate a respected local doctor, Walter Henry Fox Ramsden, who campaigned to improve drinking water quality. The monument has been the centrepiece in the village’s numerous floral awards over the years, and won a community prize in this year’s Saddleworth Parish Council Christmas village illuminations awards.

Local historian and parish councillor Mike Buckley, has written to Oldham Council seeking advice and expert assistance to restore the monument.

Councillor Buckley said: “The monument is part of the very fabric of the village square, admired by everyone. With expert care it should be able to be restored.”

A decision is expected to be made in the new year.