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Lights out on Mumps bridge
Reporter: DAWN MARSDEN
Date online: 30 August 2010
GOING, going, gone — part of Oldham’s iconic Mumps bridge has been demolished as the borough prepares for the arrival of Metrolink.
The north bridge — famously emblazoned with the “Home of the Tubular Bandage” motto — was lifted away by crane on Saturday.
The road out of Oldham was closed from Friday evening to allow contractors to build the crane and will re-open tomorrow morning at 6am.
Oldham Council leader Howard Sykes said: “This is a major milestone in our Metrolink project and an historic day for the borough.
“It marks the coming of a first-class integrated public transport network and infrastructure that we have lacked for too long — and running trams into the town centre will also act as a major economic stimulus.
“Some people have questioned the necessity to remove Mumps bridge, but future generations would have thought it absurd for us not to grasp this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to remodel the area.
“Removing the bridge allows us to tackle the obvious traffic flow and road access problems. We can then start revitalising an area of the town centre that has long struggled to fulfil its potential and make Mumps a radically different gateway to the town.”
Work to demolish the south bridge will be carried out at a later date.
GMPTE will work with Greater Manchester Integrated Transport Authority, Oldham Council and contractor, MPact-Thales, to explore opportunities to commemorate the history of the bridges.
Norman Stoller CBE commercialised the tubular bandage invented by his father, Ivor, to the extent that Seton became one of Oldham’s biggest employers.
He said: “Oldham is a forward-thinking place. It has to think about its future — and not about the past.”
Councillor Richard Knowles, chairman of GMITA’s Capital Projects Committee, added: “The demolition shows that Metrolink is definitely on its way to Oldham and people will realise that when they see the north bridge is no longer here.”
Trams are expected to start running from Manchester to Mumps during autumn, 2011, and through the town centre during spring, 2014.
Comments
Without appearing too sentimental I wonder if its possible to salvage the rivets (or something) from the bridge for souvenirs.
Two quid apiece, proceeds to a local charity??
Without appearing too sentimental I wonder if its possible to salvage the rivets (or something) from the bridge for souvenirs.
Two quid apiece, proceeds to a local charity??
omg.cant believe its just GONE.
Future generations may think it absurd to remove the town from the national rail network.
Downgrading the line to a tram track, and removing any hope of removing lorries from our roads or economic growth from potential rail freight. As the roads get more clogged and fuel prices rise Oldham will have no alternative to road transport.
The Council has it economic growth blinkers firmly fitted to a retail only future. When I see the missing bridge it a sign of another step in the wrong direction.
Last week a tram broke down in St Peters Square Manchester blocking traffic for four hours. Just imagine what it will be like when that happens at Mumps.
What a load of TOSH,This system will go the same way as the metrorail in the simpsons and crash and burn. Mumps bridge is history.This removal will have absolutely no effect on the local economy. Mr Stoller say's to think of the future and not the past, To me the past is what made oldham a town to be proud of.
Is this the Guinness bridge of yesteryear. I've seen this bridge in the old Oldham magazine and once again Oldham are prepared to let an icon go. Its a shame.
Oldham is a forward thinking place,hahahah!.
Years ago when Oldham was a thriving town, the sounds of the trams rattling down the streets just added to the atmosphere.
Today the only thing that rattles are the shutters on the takeaway shops that have turned Oldham into a daytime ghost town.
Hey Iwas in Oldham when they removed the trams for buses what is this tramslink it is less comvenient for travelers no mumps statione to get to Manchester and from Manchester After long flights to Oldham we appreciated the convenience of the train Now we hAve to go to Pochdale what brainless creature thought that up
Lancslass39. You need to note that Metrolink will not only take you to Manchester, but on to Manchester Airport. From the Metro stop at Mumps (the street) you will be able to ride beyond Manchester Victoria to the City Centre and on to Piccadilly Station. Now that all sounds more convenient to me.
totally blinkered vision!
just because the trams will be a little closer to the buses and car park they think this is intergrated! pah! dont make me laugh!
if its first class public transport then i'll be able to take a push bike, electric wheelchair or suitcase on these trams then wont i?
oh sorry! i forgot! these are all barred items on the trams! but you could take them all on the trains though which we've lost now!
so wheres the first class public transport then? i cannot see any?
JMTS. Will you be using the tram to go on flights from Manchester Airport?
If so how is your luggage going to get to the airport?
You are not allowed to take suitcases and other large luggage items onto the trams. Just like I can't take my bike.
Also the journey time to the airport by tram will be far greater than driving or train/taxi/train from Oldham via Victoria & Piccadilly.
Metrolink sounds a lot more inconvenient to me. In fact its a non starter if you have more than hand luggage.
this bridge will be missed by alot of people
heres to the metrolink
I'm all for preserving architecture that has genuine historical importance, that bridge doesn't!
The street scene looks much better without it.
Ex Rail Traveller
Do you often take your bike on holiday?
I believe that bikes is a decision subject to review.
You are allowed to take luggage on the Metro!
I live in Shaw, a tram into Manchester every 6 minutes is extremely convenient to me, can't wait til it's up and running.
I was on the metrolink on Friday of last week and a gentleman in an electric wheelchair was able to ride directly onto and off the metrolink tram with great ease.
The willingness of Oldhamers to moan, criticise and to complain never ceases to amaze me. The aim is to use Metrolink to bring people here, not to make it easy for travellers to go elsewhere.
A few more smiles and a few less grumbles would make Oldham more attractive.
hmmmm? some people obviously dont read the local papers.
bike have been constantly reviewed for the last 10 years and are still barred on all metrolinks.
as are motorised wheelchairs which are also being reviewed.
bags are allowed on the trams but larger suitcases are not permitted and with the airport tram link now going ahead this rule is also being reviewed. but only on the airport line at the momment.
hmmmm, I've taken my full size case and overnight bag on the Metro many times, and seen buggies and wheelchairs too.
Didn't they have trams in the first place? Some people thought they were outdated? Ha ha.
hellesbelles, buggies and pushchairs are allowed! but as for suitcases they are actually not. on rail transport you're meant to store large luggage in the compartment near the doors. to prevent them from suddenly moving and injuring someone if the vehicle stops.
the trams do not provide such ares. this is the excuse they use. the usual health and safety rubbish!
Sykes says “Removing the bridge allows us to tackle the obvious traffic flow and road access problems." So running a tram though a junction where 3 roads and 3 dual carriageways meet is increasing traffic flow? What planet is he on? and until we are allowed to take bikes and luggage on trams, I really don;t see the advantage, only th loss of the trains. Sad to see everyone taking photos before this icon was destroyed and all asking "why?"
Shawthing
I fyou read what I said properly you will realise I don't take my bike on holiday, but I do tend to take suitcases.
The bike thing and other difficult subjects are always under review. It's a way of making you feel like something will be done but it never is.
Bikes have been under review on and off for a long time. Each time the review bans them unless they are a folding bike packed into its carry case.
You can't take your pet dog either, unlike the train service.
From Metrolinks website,
BICYCLES AND LUGGAGE
9. 1) NO person shall cause or permit to be brought onto, or permit to remain upon any Vehicle or any Station: -
a) any bicycle or other wheeled vehicle (save for wheelchairs, pushchairs and prams) unless authorised by the Conditions of Carriage.
b) any luggage or other article which by reason of its nature could be reasonably expected to cause or does cause obstruction, inconvenience or danger to any Person (whether a passenger on the System or not)
I too travelled from Shaw to Manchester.
I didn't have any trouble reading the timetable, so I knew what time the trains departed.
I also liked the 18 minute journey time to Manchester. When on the other service I couldn't complain about the 27 minute journey time either.
Metrolink will be slower and more expensive. And in 2014 it will become slower still.
Metrolink is not the best solution for a better transport system and isloate Oldham and surrounding areas from the national network.
Is this about a bridge or a slanging match on trams ha ha
Another nail in Oldham's coffin.....everything that was great and unique about the place is being dismantled...the magnificent (boarded up) Victorian buildings near the bridge might be next, then the old library.....whatever they do....it'ill never match thold'n.
I have just looked at the pictures of the removal of Mumps Bridge, on the 3 rd. picture I saw and remembered, some 50 years ago, the bank building, am i right in thinking that the big wooded front door lifted up into the building at open time. Thats the type of enjoyment we had at that time to observe things like that.
doesnt oldham look a lot cleaner from cross street lights now that rusty lump of a bridge has gone what a difference.
people need to get some facts right, how on earth are you going to board a tram at peak, as there is hardly any seats on the stupid trams, are you paying the highest price to travel to manchester standing for 45 to 55 mins, when bus travel is quicker and you can sit down, and cheaper in some ways, i wont be using something that was got rid of in 1946, at least trains are more reliable,and quicker, than a flimsy tram made of fibreglass. Concorde went the same way as Oldham (Backwards)
BICYCLES AND LUGGAGE
9. 1) NO person shall cause or permit to be brought onto,
b) any luggage or other article which by reason of its nature could be reasonably expected to cause or does cause obstruction, inconvenience or danger to any Person (whether a passenger on the System or not)
Looks like if I stand guard over it, which I normally do, and making sure it doesn't skid across the floor, then I'm ok. In the nine years I've used the Metrolink, I've only seen inspectors twice anyway.
very true hellesbelles, i've actually never seen one when i used to catch one to salford.
but a recent report said that there will be a massive increase in inspectors on the network when it expands.
note to ombc too! stop being lazy and clear the cones restricting the lanes to 2 approaching mumps roundabout. the works been done, so clear it for rush hour traffic as it causing mayhem! and it'll only get worse next wweek when the schools are back in!
hellesbelles, whether you are stood over your suitcase or not you shouldn't have it on a tram. The only dispensation will be for the airport line.
fedupoldhamer, perhaps the counci has left the cones in place so people can get used to the future traffic problems. All those road coming together witht he tram running across at road level as well. Its going to be fun. I can't wait for the the snow.
Any news on Manchester road roundabout tram crossing yet? More future traffic fun.
the tram is no good to oldham if you want people to cum to oldham you need something to cum for it will be good to shop in bury oldham once had the best market in northwest we don't need supermarket's we need shops if you don't believe me try a trip to bury i cant wait and i am a disappointed oldemer
Have Your Say
why cant there put this bridge in a musuem its a part of history.
By Ibby786 @ 30/08/2010 13:27:30