Restore our identity, villagers urge council
Reporter: Words and pictures by KEN BENNETT
Date published: 20 August 2008
WORRIED residents claim their historic Saddleworth village has become a place without a name and is being airbrushed off the map.
Now they are asking Oldham Council to restore roadside name signs in a bid to return their community’s identity and help to combat traffic problems.
The issue was highlighted by Jenny Greenwood, a senior official for the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, who has lived in Lydgate for 14 years.
She contacted the council after reading its newsletter which failed to mention the village, which was one of the original turnpike roads and has a colourful history.
“I was saddened that poor old Lydgate did not get a mention,” she said in a note to the council. “The village is sandwiched between Lees and Uppermill and often gets overlooked — but it shouldn’t do. It is as if it is being airbrushed out.
“Lydgate is well known throughout the country because of the fine reputation of the White Hart and is a focal point for worshippers across the parish at St Ann’s Church, a well-known landmark for non-churchgoers, too.”
She said an original sign showing the the name at the village’s border has been replaced by a new sign saying “Saddleworth”. That sign has been vandalised and spattered with paint.
“I think the village should be given its identity back,” she added. “As it is, you can’t even read the sign because its been partly obliterated by paint.
“We have traffic-calming problems in the village, too. A new sign could help to solve the two issues if it read: ‘Welcome to Lydgate — please drive safely’ like other communities do.”
She suggested the sign could be highlighted by a floral arrangement and that a community noticeboard should be erected in the village itself.
“The council has listened sympathetically,” she stressed. “It has not been negative, but I would like to see some action to re-establish Lydgate’s rightful place on the map.”
The Rev Christopher Halliday, newly-appointed team rector of St Ann’s’ and Christ Church, Friezeland, supports the idea.
He said: “Promoting the identity of the community is very important. It is what the church is all about.”
Meanwhile, Charles Brierley, managing director of the award-winning White Hart at Lydgate, revealed a distinguished food guide has placed the inn at a different Lydgate, north of the M62 on its guide map.
He said. “Although our business is featured in the guide with directions of how to reach us, we are featured at a different Lydgate as many road maps don’t include Lydgate, Saddleworth.
“Unfortunately, the other Lydgate shown, near Todmorden, also has an inn called The White Hart which is all the more confusing for customers using the guide and coming to us for the first time.
“When they do eventually find Saddleworth, they often end up in Grasscroft or even Uppermill as there are no village signs for Lydgate. It is quite frustrating for many visitors to the area.”
Mike Rooke, secretary of the 200-strong Greenfield and Grasscroft Residents’ Association, said: “Village signs help to create identity and foster local pride. And, so long as they are sensitively designed and not distracting to drivers, I’m sure most residents would support the idea.
“I don’t expect Grasscroft folk are asking the council to shell out millions on some Angel of the North at the top of Lydgate.”
Ward councillor John McCann, who has promised an investigation, said: “Lydgate is a vital part of our community — it is an ancient parish with tremendous history. I will look into all aspects of the situation.”
A spokesman for Oldham Council said: “The boundary sign has to detail the name of the local authority as this is the borough that you are entering.
“A new boundary sign could be provided with a planter just detailing Lydgate and maybe a road-safety message underneath.
“This type of gateway sign is often found on the approach to a village and would be an improvement.”
