Hands off our green

AN open space between the Crossley and Fold Green estates in Chadderton should be protected as a town green, say residents.

And their plea will be heard at a local inquiry later this month.

Ann Day of Lindale Avenue, Fold Green, has made the application to Oldham Council, the town green registration authority.

She says the land has been used for regular pastimes and sports for more than 20 years.

The application is for a large area of grass and trees opposite her home, and two smaller areas nearby.

Mrs Day, a grandmother, said: “I’ve lived here for 40 years and my children, and grandchildren have played there.

“It has been used by the local church and both of the Queen’s Jubilees were celebrated there.

“I’m applying for a lot of people on both estates because we think there is a threat.

“The Crossley estate is being done-up and there is a possibility there could be building on there — people in the flats opposite would be looking out on nothing more than the side of a house.

“A solicitor has helped me with the paperwork but we are going to put the case ourselves.

“I have lived here right from these buildings going up and it is such a pleasant outlook. Families can see their children when they are playing outside.”

The Crossley estate is part of Oldham’s Gateways to Oldham project, a multi-million scheme to refurbish council homes in Chadderton and at Primrose Bank.

Because Mrs Day’s application relates to council-owned land it will dealt with by a non-statutory inquiry.

But there have been objections from the council as the landowner, First Choice Homes and a number of residents.

The inquiry will be heard on September 23 at 10 am in the Lees Suite at the Civic Centre.