Brassed off over contest switch

Battlelines have been drawn over a controversial plan to switch Uppermill’s Whit Friday brass band contest to another site.

The Uppermill contest organisers have prepared a plan to move to Churchill playing fields from King George playing fields.

They say it will recreate a picnic atmosphere and sporting opportunities for youngsters.

But Greenfield and Grasscroft Whit Friday Band Contest committee has written to Oldham Council, GMP and Uppermill contest organisers urging the plan be abandoned. It was decided to move next year’s contest, the 124th to Churchill, but locals argue the site is subject to water-logging and traffic problems.

Saddleworth South ward councillor John McCann said: “Churchill playing fields are in control of Oldham Council.

“No one saw fit to consult, formally or informally, with any local elected representatives. Bands have played on the King George fields for decades. The site has a public toilet and many adjacent village facilities.

“Churchill does not have toilets at the skate park end plus pedestrian access is along a narrow footpath next to the main road or via residential streets.

“The Greenfield contest already has traffic problems with coaches and it is not a good idea to add another 60-plus for the Uppermill contest trying to use Wellington Road.”

He said bad weather could lead to Churchill becoming boggy and impact on the area’s flagship event, Saddleworth Summer Show, which is to be staged 16 days later.

“There are just no benefits in this idea,” he added.

Councillor Barbara Beeley, Saddleworth and Lees champion, said the District Partnership was not approached. “If we are, all partners will be keen to work with Uppermill to find ways of resolving the issues.

“The Partnership requested a full report on Churchill with a view to finding a way to improve its sports facilities. But the prospect of driving coaches over it does not fit with this aspiration.”

Mike Rooke, secretary of the Greenfield and Grasscroft Residents’ Association, said: “Whoever thought of the idea would be better going back to the drawing board.”

In his letter, Joe Buckley, secretary of the Greenfield and Grasscroft Whit Friday contest committee, expressed surprise and disappointment at not being involved in earlier meetings.

He said while understanding Uppermill’s predicament, access to Churchill would be detrimental to the smooth running of Greenfield’s contest, increase congestion and introduce safety and social issues.

A spokesman for Uppermill Whit Friday brass band committee said traffic, which cannot pass through other villages, has to come through High Street and is no longer “a safe or tolerable situation”.

“We have been working with GMP and other Oldham Council departments to find a satisfactory new venue.

“The contest next year will at the exciting and beautiful new site and enable the committee to return to the picnic atmosphere of former years and hopefully sports for younger children.

“Bands that wish to play at the Uppermill contest will have easier access. There will be every comfort — food, drink and toilets.”