Locals are winners in bridge fight

Campaigners are celebrating victory after helping overturn a decision which would have split their village in two.

A row erupted over the closure of historic Ladhill Bridge at Greenfield because of building works and the subsequent increase in the number of vehicles using the crossing.

Last year, outraged members of the 200-strong Greenfield and Grasscroft Residents’ Association, backed by local councillors, attacked the plan.

They argued that closure of the centuries-old former packhorse bridge would have a detrimental effect on the life and prosperity of the village.

They flooded Oldham Council with protest letters and a petition claiming residents living in Manchester Road, Friezland Lane and Dacres area would be less inclined to use local shops.

At the time, Councillor Richard Knowles said: “Closure adds a lot of time to each trip into central Greenfield and Uppermill.”

Disabled people’s worries over having to make a lengthy detour were allayed when Oldham Council agreed access for motorised scooters.

Now the council’s Road Traffic Order Panel has decided to keep the bridge open for all motorised traffic.

The panel also agreed to restrict parking on Oakview Road and instructed that speed and weight restriction signs are placed at the three access junctions on Chew Valley Road and Manchester Road.

The GGRA’s secretary, Mike Rooke, said: “This is a major victory for Greenfield village and for common sense. Thanks to everyone who helped our campaign.

“Access via the bridge has symbolic, historical significance.

“Without this vital link, our shops and pubs would suffer greatly.”