Lonely village gets a link to outside world

A SADDLEWORTH village known as “the most isolated in Greater Manchester” will soon be well connected after residents celebrated a campaign victory.

Members of the Denshaw Community Association drummed up more than 150 petition signatures on a mission to get better transport links for villagers.

Starting from April 15, villagers will be able to take advantage of the Local Link — a daytime door-to-door service provided by Transport for Greater Manchester.

Using shared mini buses or taxis, journeys must be booked at least an hour in advance and can be done so up to a week before.

Association chairman Alan Roughley said: “Obviously we are very pleased.

“As well as enabling us to do things and go and see our friends and relatives in other parts of Saddleworth, they can now come and see us and join in our village activities here in Denshaw.

“This is a real success story for the village and I would like to thank all those who helped with the petition and supported our efforts to put Denshaw on the map.”

The campaign started after villagers without access to a car complained they were forced to make time-consuming journeys by bus to go about their lives.

Elderly residents have to make trips often lasting hours just to visit their doctor or draw their pensions because the bus service is so sporadic. And youth activities across Saddleworth are cut off to many teenagers.

The situation was exacerbated when the village post office and shop closed two years ago.

As part of the Local Link scheme, journeys can be booked 24 hours a day and fares start from £1. There will also be direct daily evening links between Denshaw and Oldham Bus Station.

Villagers now hope that better links into Oldham and the future opening of the Metrolink line to Manchester will increase their options and ease their travel woes. Those interested in booking transport can contact 08456-055-505, or visit www.tfgm.com