Borough’s history so important

THE heritage of townships across the borough is neglected, according to Failsworth Historical Society.

Chairman John Crompton said the distinctive values of each township are not considered by the council within the heritage of the borough and there was no attempt to safeguard conservation areas.

He added: “There is much discontent within the local historical societies of the borough because of the apparent lack of “laid policy”‚ to be able to conform their own beliefs of history and heritage.

“How are they able to ensure that the young people of the borough can have any respect and interest in their area without the knowledge of their descendants and their family background?” He said all the townships play an important part in Oldham’s history.

But Councillor John McCann said the council had devolved power to district partnerships showing it wasn’t only concerned with the town centre.

He added: “There are 24,000 artefacts at Gallery Oldham and regular exhibitions, the Local Studies and Archives run family history helpdesks and there are Heritage Open Days. Work has been done to preserve a major conservation area around Failsworth Pole and Rochdale Canal re-opened.

“Recognising and strengthening all of the townships in the borough is a cornerstone of the policy of this administration.”

Heritage champion, Councillor Mike Buckley, agreed the council had a weak record on heritage planning, there are a number of empty civic buildings and no conservation plans. But this was due to 30 years of neglect, he said.

The council has started to put things right by employing a conservation officer, compiling a list of buildings of special historic interest, new signage for boundaries and a forum for societies to discuss heritage issues.