Road scheme go-ahead

IMPROVEMENTS to Lees Road will go ahead following approval by the Department of Transport.

Oldham Council submitted a compulsory purchase order (CPO) for land to improve the lower section of the road — part of the quality bus corridor between Uppermill, Oldham and Manchester city centre.

The aim is to bring greater reliability and accessibility to bus travel. A public inquiry heard how there had only been one objection to the plans which was a business lodging a claim for more compensation.

In a letter to the council, the former Secretary of State for Transport Ruth Kelly, who resigned last week, said the objection did not constitute grounds for not proceeding and confirmed the CPO.