What should be on a list of Oldham’s finest unprotected buildings?

RED BRICK mills, 1960s concrete constructions, well-loved pubs and modern glass buildings — all have been put forward by residents as worth protecting as part of Oldham’s heritage.

The iconic images snapped by locals were gathered by Oldham Area Civic Society at a public meeting to stir up interest in the idea of preserving some of the town’s lesser known historic, architectural or colourful gems.

Now the society wants more people to come forward with their suggestions from all over the borough, from rural Saddleworth to urban Failsworth.

The aim is to put together a local list of buildings with heritage value, not currently protected as listed buildings.

The society held its meeting after Oldham Council’s new Heritage Advisory Forum — which brings together groups interested in Oldham’s heritage — met for the first time,

The society wants help to support the council on conservation, planning and regeneration issues.

Former Chadderton councillor Jeremy Sutcliffe, the society’s treasurer, arranged the photographic display and also ran a quiz at the meeting.

He said: “It is amazing what people don’t see beneath their feet, or above them because they don’t raise their eyes.”

The exhibition also included photographs of six pediments above shops in Henshaw Street which depict various trades, some still carried out there, including a colourful baker.

Frances Hirst, the society’s secretary, added: “There are many attractive buildings in areas of Oldham which don’t have protected status, familiar and not so familiar.

“We are asking people for their suggestions for buildings with architectural merit or an important heritage so that next year we can help Oldham Council to draw up the local list.”

Frances can be contacted on 01457-833148.