Hopes high for a steeplejack trainer

Date published: 15 August 2014


GREENACRES could soon be home to a new training facility for steeplejacks.

Permission is being sought by Delta International, for the erection of a cylinder, measuring a height of seven metres (23ft).

The hydraulic structure, which is just over five metres (18ft) wide, would sit at the company’s existing base in Wrigley Street.

The company’s typical contracts include works on nuclear power stations, demolition of chimneys and repair of difficult-to-access structures.

A physical demonstration of the system and its safety features is often required by customers before works are allowed to commence on site.

Delta therefore needs to develop a bespoke access system.

Gaining consent would allow the company to build the structure — a tube with an open top and small access hatch — which would be used as an exact match for those structures found on work sites.

It would be used for training and development purposes in a space currently occupied by two mobile cabins.

Delta says the structure is lower in height than many of the adjoining buildings and has been located to have minimal impact on Greenacres Road.

It would move very slowly with no noise generated.

The application is due to be heard by Oldham Council’s planning committee on Wednesday, August 27.