When Oldham wanted to be the 'Acapulco of the North'

John Stapleton with a 'glossy brochure'

It's the mid-seventies and Oldham Council want to make the town a holiday destination for tourists.

Not the plot of a new sitcom, but the real-life campaign 'Come To Oldham' which was launched in 1976.

A report on the campaign, by Oldham-born John Stapleton, has been released by BBC archives, and tells the story of the initiative, designed to bring new tourism jobs to the town.

The borough spent £14,000 promoting the town to holidaymakers in the UK, producing brochures, keyrings, beermats, and car stickers.  In today's money, the spend would be around £107,000.

The idea was the brainchild of then Estates Officer, Andrew Harris, who claimed the town had lots to offer the 'happy holidaymaker'.  He wanted to rid Oldham of it's 'cloth cap image' and attract new jobs.

The plan was met with scepticism from Oldhamers who were bemused that the borough could be a desirable holiday destination.

One lady told John: "Who in their right mind would want to come here?  Just have a look round."

Another said: "You should see us rush for the bus to get out of the town at half-past five."

You can watch John's tongue-in-cheek report below.

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