Putting Lydgate back on the map

A village that believed it was being airbrushed off the map is launching a major campaign to restore its identity.

Residents in the hamlet of Lydgate expressed their concerns to Oldham councillors and now they are planning a public meeting to launch “Love Lydgate” in a bid to fight back.

Oldham councillors Barbara Beeley and John McCann will attend tomorrow’s meeting where residents will be encouraged to share ideas on how to put the community firmly back on the map.

Problems were highlighted by local resident Jennifer Greenwood who pointed out there was only one paint-spattered road sign reading “Saddleworth” but none showing the hamlet existed.

Now, locals have formed their own HomeWatch group and plan a series of initiatives to highlight the thriving community.

One said: “I think the council began to realise that Lydgate is a little village with a big heart — and a big voice, too.

“We want to be proactive in making Lydgate as safe and attractive as possible — to look as if it is loved.

“For too long the village has been overlooked and neglected. We are happy to do some things ourselves but we need the support of the local council for other issues.”

The busy road is one huge area of concern but residents believe improved signage could make it safer. And they are seeking assistance from local PCSO, Wayne Turley, who is offering support. Meanwhile, the White Hart Inn has promised sponsorship of large flower tubs on the cobbled areas of chicanes which will act as further traffic-calming measures and make the area more attractive.

Residents are gearing up for a public meeting tomorrow to agree an action plan to take the Love Lydgate scheme forward.

Councillor Beeley said: “John McCann and I have already met a small group of residents and we really hope the campaign will take off.

“There has been a wide-ranging discussion about the possibility of a residents’ association and that will be one of the topics discussed at the meeting.”

The councillors are examining other key issues, including highways and chicanes in the conservation area.

She added: “New boundary signs for Lydgate are on their way with Stage One on roads leading into the borough — Stockport Road from Mossley. Stage Two will involve inter-village signs. We are looking to have flashing warnings signs for speed and safety in place on Oldham Road itself in this financial year, And we are also examining a draft document concerning the retaining walls on Stockport Road.”

Pleased

Councillor McCann said: “We are very pleased residents are getting involved and we hope we can help with some early improvements and long-term involvement and planning.
“The reactive information signs are part of a road-safety campaign supplemented by funds, after action from local Lib-Dem councillors, from the Priority Investment Fund and the Saddleworth and Lees District Partnership, which are focusing action on local problem areas and reducing costs by pooling orders for equipment. The signs are part of a review of traffic conditions around Lydgate and other areas and hopefully will be as effective as they are in other places.”

Councillor Beeley said that during her investigations, she discovered some Lydgate addresses had Grotton on their electoral role form. She asked residents to e-mail specific examples to her at:

barbara.beeley@oldham.gov.uk

“Residents are very positive about moving forward,” she said. “And we are looking forward to working together and making a great start.”

The meeting will also be attended by invited representatives of Greenfield and Grasscroft Residents’ Association (GGRA) and Royce Franklin, chairman of the parish council’s transport sub-committee.

Dave McNeeney, chairman of the GGRA, said that any residents from Lydgate would be welcomed to join their organisation.

The meeting is at 8pm in the Oak Room at the White Hart.