Village backwater to make its mark

A QUIET village, once viewed as an insignificant backwater, is to make its mark on the community map.

But newly-formed Greenfield Street Scene, a nine-strong committee of dedicated locals, plans to restore the village’s unique identity with wide-ranging enhancements.

They are already involved in active discussions with Oldham Council and other groups to explore ways of raising the community profile.

One of their first projects is to improve and replace ancient highways and pavements which has been widely welcomed by householders.

And they have already obtained a commitment from the council to reset dangerous paving stones along Chew Valley Road, making them safer and improving the area’s appearance.

Peter Lowe, a self-employed management consultant who has lived in the village for 30 years, is one of the Street Scene team, — a sub-group of the Greenfield and Grasscroft Residents’ Association.

He said: “We want Greenfield to create a real sense of place, rather than a corridor to Dovestone Reservoir or Uppermill.

“Our aim is to restore a real sense of pride in the village and its centre to support our local shops.

“There are lots of features in the village itself which need to be recognised and highlighted, ensuring the village boosts its own identity.”

Fellow Street Scene member, Peter Hodgson, a retired teacher who has lived in Greenfield for 25 years, said: “There are lots of exciting opportunities to enhance the village. We are getting encouraging support from locals.”

Already the team is in discussions to provide a permanent Christmas scene as an additional focal point.

“We have been offered marvellous advice by Oldham’s Parks and Gardens Department,” said Mr Lowe. “And there may be an opportunity to provide hanging baskets or tubs at key locations too.”

The team is seeking funding from Saddleworth and Lees Area Committee and conservation charity Groundwork to support some of its ideas.

Greenfield and Grasscroft Residents’ Association secretary, Mike Rooke, said: “We’re really excited about this project. In terms of beautification, Greenfield has lagged behind other Saddleworth villages but, thanks to some active and creative members in Street Scene, Greenfield will soon be as bright as the rest of them.”