Your chance to buy a virtual piece of town

A NEW website is giving net surfers the chance to “buy” virtual replicas of some of the region’s best loved landmarks — including Oldham Coliseum.

Users can purchase their favourite piece of Greater Manchester from £5 upwards on www.forevermanchester. com — and become a modern day philanthropist.

All funds from the scheme will go to a £4.4million fund-raising campaign launched by The Community Foundation for Greater Manchester.

The amount the public gives will determine how long they will hold on to their piece of the website, which can be personalised by uploading photographs, names, messages and web addresses.

Users can also request other buildings they would like to appear on the site.

Organisers say Forever Manchester has been devised to harness the spirit and pride of Manchester folk, whether living and working in the city and its suburbs or expats, to help raise £2.2million.

This will be matched by the Government to create a £4.4million community chest for Manchester called the Infinity Fund.

Interest from the fund will be distributed in the form of grants to small community groups and social entrepreneurs who are making a positive difference to their communities and need some financial support to get projects off the ground.

Projects in Oldham whichhave already benefited from grants include Buckley Belles Dance Troupe, which was awarded £3,600, and Failsworth Flying Club, which received £5,000.

Community Foundation for Greater Manchester chief executive Nick Massey said: “It was important to us that Oldham was featured as we support a number of community groups in the area.

“It’s vital that Oldhamers get involved.”