Iconic Oldham pub set to be saved

The famous old Royal Oak on Union Street

There is a ray of hope for the future of Oldham’s oldest pub, which was threatened with closure before Christmas.

When the town’s loyal pub community found the iconic Royal Oak on Union Street was set to be sold from under the landlord, they rallied and formed a committee. 

Now the committee - The Folk of The Oak - have had their application to Oldham Council to have the pub recognised as an Asset of Community Value accepted by the Council.

The decision means the current owners cannot sell the property on without offering it to the community group first.

And now the group plan to raise money through donations and heritage grants to restore the pub to its former glory.

Local businesses have said they are willing to help with their own areas of expertise.

A spokesperson for The Folk of The Oak said: “We are looking forward to working with the current owners in order to make this vision a reality. 

“The longer the building stays empty the greater the risk of it being further damaged."

The group has now approached the council to study the next move. 

The ACV will remain in place on the building for five years.

A letter to the group from Oldham Council read: “Following a meeting to consider the Nomination, the Council has made a decision to list the property as an Asset of Community Value.

“The decision to list the property was reached as the Council determined there was satisfactory evidence to show the property’s actual and current use furthers the social wellbeing and interests of the local community sufficiently to meet the statutory tests.

“The property will now be added to the Council’s list of successful nominations and will remain there for five years.”

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