Ploughing on with snow-blower plans

Saddleworth Parish Council
VOLUNTEERS could man a snow blower to clear Saddleworth roads clear should snow begin to fall.

As a chance of snow was predicted for the borough this week, Councillor Rob Knotts told parish councillors that a meeting with Oldham Council had been productive in tackling Saddleworth’s winter woes.

He confirmed that a snow blower, a hand-driven machine similar in size to a lawn mower, would be available to local residents who wanted to help clear smaller roads in bad weather. He also revealed that a small depot storing 2,000 tons of grit has been set up near Grains Bar to serve the Saddleworth villages this winter.

It follows a lengthy project led by the parish council to stop Saddleworth grinding to a halt after snowfall.

It was also suggested that 4x4 drivers could be given snow blades to attach to the front of their vehicles to help plough smaller roads and side streets in the event of a cold snap, as one individual has already done in Grasscroft. However, this would have to be planned for next winter.




Bands await police response



OLDHAM’S Police Chief Superintendent Tim Forber politely declined an invitation to address the parish council at last night’s meeting.



Councillors had requested his presence to discuss the forthcoming policing plans for the Whit Friday band contests in June. However, in a letter, Mr Forber said he has yet to meet band contest organisers and would be happy to address the council when plans are in place.