Saddleworth to get its White Rose wish

Sign of the times . . . Councillor Mike Buckley at one of the current boundary signs showing a fading white rose which was added by an unknown Yorkie

Yorkshire’s White Rose will fly proudly over Saddleworth again — with the official blessing of Oldham Council.

New road signs approaching the area will display a distinctive emblem and read: “Welcome to Saddleworth in the historic county of York”.

But one local, who did not want to be named, said: “It could be a red rag to a Red Rose. This could give a confusing signal and look as if we are not part of the borough.”

However, Councillor Mike Buckley, the council’s heritage champion, welcomed the decision which was reached after discussions between council officials, historical societies and Saddleworth Parish Council.

Saddleworth’s White Rose credentials date back to the Norman period when it was a royal forest and formed part of the West Riding. County councils of Lancashire and the West Riding of Yorkshire were created by a local government act in the 1880s and continued until 1974 when they were abolished by another act of parliament.

“But the act did not abolish the counties themselves or the three Yorkshire ridings,” explained Councillor Buckley, the council’s representative for Saddleworth North and a parish councillor.

“That’s why today the Lancashire part of the borough still proudly celebrates its Red Rose heritage and Saddleworth its Yorkshire history.

“Our roots and the historic identities of where we live make us what we are.”

Saddleworth parish councillor Ken Hulme said: “At long last the message has got through to the civic centre.

“Oldham has treated Saddleworth like a colony, cutting services, closing libraries, milking it for revenue and suppressing and sneering at the white rose and the parish’s historical and cultural roots.

“I hope this will herald a new approach.”

The signs are part of a wider initiative to promote awareness of the borough’s new branding and distinctive character townships.

Chadderton, Shaw and Crompton, Royton, Failsworth and Lees will follow a similar format but contain an additional strip carrying a specific emblem and words reflecting each township. Some will show historic coats of arms.

Howard Sykes, leader of the council, said: “Consultation on signs is currently still being carried out. It is important that we consult widely before any decisions are made.”