Weir could provide flooding solution

Saddleworth & Lees District Partnership

A possible solution to one of Saddleworth’s most vexing problems — flooding at Churchill playing fields — was put under the spotlight.

Mike Rooke. secretary of the 200-strong Greenfield and Grassscroft Residents’ Association, told the partnership meeting that one of the GGRA’s members had studied the problems and suggested a cost-effective solution.

He said Hall’s Weir, near the fields in Greenfield, is used by the Environment Agency as an assessment point for water flow in the River Tame.

If it was dismantled, it seems likely the prevailing water table beneath the adjacent Churchill Playing Fields would drop by 1-2 metres.

This could vastly reduce the flood risk to the area which has dogged major social and sporting events for years.

Mr Rooke said: “In view of the persistent water-logging of this civic amenity and the potential for development of health and leisure facilities in this vicinity, we have sent a letter to Oldham Council chief executive Charlie Parker calling for the borough to investigate providing an engineer’s solution to this problem.

“We have subsequently been told the matter is being investigated and we would urge actions are taken to ascertain whether this flooding solution is feasible.”

Oldham councillor Mike Buckley, the community’s heritage champion, said the weir dated back to the 1600s and was part of a very historic structure.

“I would be very unhappy if it was lost.

“It is a tourist attraction at one of our most picturesque spots.”

The meeting was told part of the problem was the fields are on a flood plain and work to solve ongoing surface water issues could cost up to £250,000.


Tourist bus just the ticket

A NEW tourist bus is getting ready to roll in a bid to encourage visitors along to Dovestone.

The bus scheme was originally highlighted in the Saddleworth Parish Plan. Parish councillor Royce Franklin said representatives from the parish council and bus company had visited the area earlier in the week.

They found that slight modifications must be made to the car parking layout at Dovestone.
A tender has been accepted and final costings will be available for the March meeting.

Discussions have taken place with Saddleworth Rangers to use the car park which is normally available only during the week.

Councillor Franklin said: “It is hoped travellers to Dovestone by car will avail themselves of this facility which can accommodate 80 cars.

“A request will be made to Oldham Council Parking Services for parking regulations to be strictly enforced at Dovestone to enable the bus to get through at all times.”

The service will run on Saturday and Sunday between June 19 and September 26 from 10.50am to 5pm with an additional service on August bank holiday Monday.