Vandals attack info boards

Spray painted graffiti on one of the River Irk boards

VANDALS have destroyed information boards designed to help visitors make the most of the Rochdale Canal.

The council is appealing for help to catch the people responsible for spraying graffiti on the boards.

The boards were unveiled at various points of interest along the Oldham stretch of the Rochdale Canal in May.

They were part of a regeneration scheme developed in collaboration with local historical societies and members of the community.

Vandals have now attacked two of the boards in Chadderton and appear to have gone to extreme lengths to wreak havoc.

At Lock 62, the entire information board, made from heavy materials, was ripped off its stand and is missing.

It has possibly been thrown into the canal.

Another board located at the River Irk Aqueduct was sprayed with graffiti.

Councillor Mohib Uddin, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “After all the hard work that went into producing these boards it is both bewildering and saddening that someone would do this.

“We have already cleaned up the graffiti on the board at the River Irk Aqueduct as there is a maintenance agreement in place between Oldham Council and British Waterways for this kind of work.

“However, the board from Lock 62 is still missing, so the costs will be significantly higher if that cannot be found.

“It would have required determined force and possibly even cutting gear to remove this panel. No decision has yet been made as to whether it will be replaced. “If anyone has seen this panel while walking in the area please contact Eleanor Sykes on 0161-770 1668.

“Greater Manchester Police is planning to establish a canal watch scheme along the Rochdale Canal to combat crime and anti-social behaviour.

“The group is in the process of being established with Oldham Council and would include police based in Chadderton and Failsworth.”