It’s not that grim up North!

A THINK-tank report suggested that people in the North should desert the big cities and head South for a better life. Reporter GEOFF WOOD went out and about to find out what Oldham folk thought.

Oldhamers said they felt comfortable in their Northern surroundings, revelled in the friendliness of Oldham and were quick to point out disadvantages of Southern living.

The right-wing Policy Exchange argued that people needed to move South if they wanted to get a well-paid job.

The report said: “Manchester, Leeds and Newcastle, for example, all have decided strengths but they are not successful enough to deliver prosperity to neighbouring towns, in the way that London is able to support relatively poor communities in North Kent and South Essex.”

It adds that we need to accept that we cannot regenerate every town that has fallen behind.

Frances Holt, (79), said: “I don’t think people will move South. I like it here in Oldham.

“I was born and bred in Oldham. I think it is a friendly place with a lot going for it.”

Mary Booth (86), said: “There will always be something we don’t like about a place, whether it is in the north or the south, but I like it here.

Frances Hart, said: “We are all quite happy with the area. Down South you cannot move on the roads.

“I think it smacks of big brother telling us what to do. And what’s more we are better cooks up here.”

Joyce Larder, from Rochdale, said: “We don’t think we should move South — people are friendlier here than in the south.

“I like the markets in Oldham and the people.”

Andrew Abernethy said: “I love Oldham and have been here most of my life.

“I lived in Wiltshire for a while and I was glad to move back.

“These days my family is round here and I am here to stay.”

Alan and Clarice Whalley, from Royton, were both strongly against the suggestion of a move South.

Alan said: “I think it is a ridiculous idea — first of all the house prices down there are astronomical.

“My son lived in London for some years and the house prices there were ridiculous. I would not want to live in the London area — it is far too expensive.

Clarice said: “We are happy with Oldham. I like the place. If we were to move anywhere it would be to Scotland.”

David McBride said: “I think it would be too expensive to move South. I think you can have a better life up here.”

Kathleen Green said: “I think people are not friendly enough down South. I would like to stay here. But we could do with a bit better weather.”

Kenneth Taylor said: “I think it is ridiculous. Oldham has changed quite a bit over the last few years — but it is still not too bad.”

Patricia Heatley, from Chadderton, said: “I think the suggestion is ridiculous.

“I could not move South because my roots are here.”

Margaret Adams said: “I have my roots in Oldham — and I like it here.”