Business blames bridge for slump

ANOTHER Saddleworth business has been hit by the bridge closure at Uppermill.

New Bank garden centre, which is in the section of Dobcross New Road now closed to traffic, says it is only doing a quarter of its normal business.

The downturn has followed the closure of the Brownhill bridge for repairs.

Signs advising motorists that there is access to the garden centre have been posted. But management say they believe this is not enough.

New Bank director Chris Hartle said: “Takings are down to 25 per cent of normal.

“We are fortunate in that we have four garden centres in total — in Radcliffe, Royton and Halifax as well as Dobcross.

“But we do believe the council should do more in pointing visitors our way.”

A spokesman for Oldham Council said signs had been provided but the situation would be reviewed again.

Last week, fledgling business Holme Build of Gatehead Mill, Delph, complained that it had seen its takings drop by half since the bridge closure.