Info boards will trace canal story

PEOPLE who enjoy strolling along the Oldham stretch of the Rochdale Canal will soon benefit from new information boards.

The boards are aimed at helping improve everyone’s understanding and appreciation of one of Oldham’s great heritage assets.

Oldham Council is to install five of them — and wants ideas from local history or canal enthusiasts on the content and information they would like to see included.

It could be in the form of stories, anecdotes or local names for aspects of the canal, canal life, or waterside buildings and features, such as the special lift bridge at Mills Hill, which raises to let canal boats through.

The lectern-style boards will detail the history of the 200-year-old canal, its locks and unique waterway environment, along with a location map explaining where people are on the canal and some local history of that particular area.

Both Chadderton and Failsworth historical societies have already offered to help out with local historical information, but any suggestions from the local community will be welcomed.

Other information sought is about local facilities and services including places of interest, together with photographs and wildlife information.

Cabinet member for regeneration, Councillor Mohib Uddin, said: “It is good to hear the societies are helping us with local historical information to enrich the canal experience. The canal gives many people a lot of enjoyment and so I’m sure extra information about the area will benefit everyone.”

Oldham’s waterway and heritage champion, Councillor Mike Buckley, added: “It is important that we continue to appreciate and protect the unique heritage value of our waterways and their environment, while making the most of the recreation and leisure opportunities they offer.”

The canal was closed for 50 years but was restored and reopened in 2002. It runs for 32 miles, spanning 91 locks, from Manchester to Sowerby Bridge.

The project is part of a programme of improvements being developed by the Rochdale Canal Partnership.

The boards will be installed at Iron Dongers (Lock 61 at the Oldham/Rochdale border), Rose of Lancaster (on the canal near the pub at Mills Hill), Foxdenton (close to the lift bridge at Foxdenton Lane), George Street, Failsworth, and Tanners Field, Failsworth (Lock 67 behind Morrisons Supermarket.)

The deadline for ideas is February 2 and the boards should be in place in time for the new boating season in April, when preparations begin for the award winning Rochdale Canal Festival.

Contact regeneration support officer Eleanor Sykes on 0161-770 1668 or eleanor.sykes@oldham.gov.uk to contribute.