Pond site no longer a dive

Animal Farm comes to the RSPCA in Oldham, Collette Johnson and daughter Gracie Johnson ( 5 yrs ) meet a sheep from Pimhole Community Farm, Bury

A CELEBRATION takes place tomorrow at a once run-down pond — now clear of debris and litter.

Residents have been invited to Party at the Pond to mark all the hard work in transforming the feature behind Sacred Heart School, Derker, into a safe, attractive community site.

Funded by the East Oldham Area Committee, Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale have worked tirelessly with Oldham Council, local PCSOs, schools and community groups to bring the pond up to scratch.

Schoolchildren have helped to attract wildlife to the area by building bird boxes and feeders. And a brand new pond-dipping platform has been installed by the Oldham Countryside Service.

Volunteer Helen Taylor, from Groundwork, said: “All the hard work which has gone into this is about to be repaid with a fun day for all.”

A range of activities, including an Easter egg hunt, will be on offer between noon and 4pm. And Oldham Mayor, Councillor Shoab Akhtar, will make a speech before officially opening the platform.

Refreshments will also be provided and all are welcome to attend.

Children under eight must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information, contact Aine Graven or Helen Taylor on 0161-624 1444.