Flower power to stay on the map

ONE of Saddleworth’s tiniest communities that feared it would be airbrushed off Oldham’s map is planning to raise its profile — with flowers.

Residents have already launched a “Love Lydgate” campaign which is being supported by the Saddleworth and Lees Community champion, Councillor Barbara Beeley.

And she has already donated bulbs which will be planted at strategic sites across the village.

This initiative backs up improvements to tidy the village and replace broken paving stones in Stockport Road. Flashing vehicle alert signs are to be placed in Oldham Road with the possibility of the scheme being extended to Stockport Road as part of a future rolling programme across Saddleworth.

New dog waste bins, which will be emptied weekly by Street Scene, have been put up next to public footpath signs in the area.

Notices warning pet-lovers of fouling offences are in place and residents have lodged a request for more dog waste bins at Beechfield where there is a play area for youngsters.

There are also plans to include children at the nursery and St Anne’s school in the village initiative.

A spokesman for the “Love Lydgate” group said: “We are grateful for such a positive response but feel we need to keep Lydgate at the top of the agenda.

“Lydgate residents are proactive and want to do things for themselves too. Essentially, this is a strategy to improve the look of the area, plant flowers and generally make it look loved.

“Bulbs have already been planted and more are planned for the green bank at the cross roads and the green strip belonging to Higher Quick Farm, alongside Stockport Road.

“Hopefully residents will get involved with one of these activities or come up with an idea of their own.”

Residents are urged to attend the next public “Love Lydgate” meeting on November 23, at 7.30pm at the White Hart.