New pool will commemorate hero Henry

Chadderton Area Committee report

CHADDERTON’S new pool is virtually certain to be named after the town’s Olympic hero Henry Taylor.

That is according to Councillor Eileen Hulme who said that informal discussions had been held about honouring the swimmer.

His memorabilia will also be displayed at the pool, part of Chadderton’s new health and well-being Centre, to inspire future generations.

Henry Taylor won eight Olympic medals at four games at the start of the last century and his British record of three-golds at the same Olympics was only equalled by cyclist Chris Hoy this year.

The news was greeted with delight by Bernard Edge, a life member of Chadderton Swimming club, who has campaigned for the move.

Officials in Mansfield agreed to rename the pool there in honour of Becky Adlington who won two swimming golds at the Beijing Olympics.

Mr Edge said Henry Taylor deserved the same recognition and added: “This is the greatest swimmer that England has ever known. He had eight Olympic medals, four of them gold, and three world records.” 

Heads shaken over field

FED-UP residents have demanded action to stop people using a playing field blighting their lives.

Neighbours in Cathedral Road are tired of people playing sport in Noddy’s Field causing parking chaos, blocking in vehicles, abusing residents, urinating outdoors and leaving a trail of rubbish.

A hundred of them have signed a petition while Councillor Len Quinn has called the situation appalling and fears that someone could be killed.He said people were using the field without a formal booking and added: “They park on the bend, they double park. There are several accidents there that have not been reported.

“It’s a death trap waiting to happen. How no child has been killed I do not know.”

Resident Beryl Jackson outlined the misery and blamed parents, adding: “We have to take our lives in our hands almost every single day.”