Ancient bridge closure slices village in half

Defending the historic Ladhill Bridge . . . Mike Rooke, secretary of Greenfield and Grasscroft Residents’ Association and (right) Councillor Richard Knowles

A row has erupted over the closure of a historic river crossing — which has split a village in two.
The centuries-old Ladhill Bridge at Greenfield has been closed because of near-by building work and the subsequent increase in the number of vehicles using the pack horse bridge.

Mike Rooke, secretary of the Greenfield and Grasscroft Residents’ Association, said: “The outrage expressed by the majority of local people confirms our association’s view and that of our ward councillors that it will seriously affect the unity and harmony of our village. It will effectively split our community in half.

“Residents living on or near Manchester Road in the Friezland Lane and Dacres area will be less inclined to go to local shops, having a serious affect on the life and prosperity of our village.

“It is certainly not too late to do something about this. It will make a great deal of difference if as many people as possible submit their own personal letters of objection.

“The more local residents and businesses who express their concerns, the better chance we have of the borough revoking its decision.”

Councillor Richard Knowles said: “Closure adds a lot of time to each trip into central Greenfield and Uppermill.

“Labour ducked out of solving this traffic problem last year when it failed to require the housing developer at Greenfield Bowling Club to build a new road bridge across Chew Brook.”

Oldham Council’s assistant director of highways and engineering, Tony Noblet, said: “The Ladhill Bridge has been permanently closed to traffic.

“Pedestrian access to local shops and amenities will still be accessible.”