Ripple road is to be smoothed over

REPAIRS . . . A team will start work on the bumpy road surface in New Street

A STREET that has caused ripples of rage in a community is to be smoothed out.

New Street, in the heart of Uppermill, has been described as a "helter-skelter highway," because of its bumpy, pitted surface.

But now a team from Oldham highways will move in on Monday to carry out urgent patching repairs.

The road is a vital link between the Wellmeadow housing estate and the village centre.

Treacherous

For months, businesses, residents and shoppers have complained that the road's surface has become treacherous, particularly in wet weather.

The elderly, young families and drivers have become increasingly concerned over the rapidly deteriorating condition of the road.

Royce Franklin, Saddleworth and Lees traffic and transport sub-committee chairman, said: "A recent referral to the sub-committee has been the condition of New Street, which is bumpy to say the least.

"The local authority have taken photographs of the site and agreed work will be carried out from Monday which will lead to some disruption in Uppermill for a few days."

Oldham councillor John McCann said: "It's good news for cyclists and cars that this resurfacing is being done comparatively quickly.

"The road the surface has deteriorated into ruts rather than the usual potholes, so a big thank you to OMBC/Unity Partnership for acting as it was becoming dangerous."

He added: "The fact a three-day closure is needed reveals the extent of the work required, so I hope people are patient."

Butcher Paul Lowcock, who has had a shop for 22 years on the New Street-High Street junction, said: "The road is like a tidal wave. The surface itself has caused a lot of problems. Only recently someone nearly came off mobility scooter."