Band parades under threat

TRADITIONAL: MIght it go for the sake of smooth traffic flow?

New traffic rules could end Whit Friday tradition

A DECISION to ban brass bands from parading local streets could end Whit Friday contests after 125 years of delighting the public.

Oldham Council has taken over traffic management for the May 28 treat — described as Saddleworth’s “greatest free show on earth” — and has decreed that all arterial roads must have free-flowing traffic.

Organisers, the Oldham and Saddleworth Whit Friday Area Committee, say this effectively bans the street marching on the traditional routes used in Denshaw, Greenfield, Lees and Scouthead and they may be forced to axe these contests.

The Chronicle understands there is much anger that a legendary tradition that has run smoothly since 1884 could now be ended.

But council chiefs insist talks are continuing and nothing has been finalised.

Contests take place across 12 villages with 130 bands from across the UK taking part last year and thousands of visitors pouring into the borough. It was the council that actually stepped in to help the survival of the contests by granting £7,500 after some long-term sponsors withdrew last year.

Officials from Oldham Council and Greater Manchester Police held an emergency meeting in Delph on Thursday to brief organisers on policing and traffic management arrangements.

The police will be responsible for public order only and resources will be concentrated in Delph and Uppermill.

An area committee spokesman said: “While alternative routes have been suggested, representatives of the four villages most affected have advised that these proposals are unacceptable and this now places those contests at serious risk.

“Contest representatives for these villages will now consult with their respective committees, while the committees of the other contests are being asked to consider an ‘all or none’ strategy.”

Councillor Mark Alcock, cabinet member for environment and infrastructure, said: “Oldham Council’s traffic officers have been in talks with Oldham Police about arrangements for the 2010 event. These are not yet finalised and nothing has been agreed.”