Oldham a prime location for eager shoppers

Top of the shops . . . Primark manager Craig Wood is presented with a certificate from First bus’s Linda Davies to mark the new bus link between Oldham and Bury.

Shoppers from Bury have voted Debenhams and Primark Oldham’s top attractions as the towns are linked by a bus service for the first time in six years.

A survey carried out by bus operator First to mark its new 58 service between Oldham and Bury, found 60 per cent of people from Bury said they visit Oldham at least once a month And 56 per cent said Primark and Debenhams are the town’s most appealing attractions.

Other popular places that encourage Bury people to make the 12-mile journey include Oldham’s Tesco Extra supermarket, the Coliseum and Gallery Oldham.

Oldham people also voted the famous Bury market as their their top reasons for visiting Bury, with the East Lancashire Railway, the Met Café Bar and Theatre, and Marks and Spencer all proving popular.

In recognition of being voted one of Oldham’s top attractions, Primark store manager Craig Wood was presented with a certificate from First.

Craig said: “Primark is delighted to be voted one of Oldham’s top attractions and receive this certificate.

“We look forward to welcoming new customers from Bury who can now take advantage of the direct bus service.”

Linda Davies, marketing manager for First Manchester, said: “The results revealed that Oldham has its own unique attractions and is a popular destination for Bury visitors.

“We hope our new bus route will make it easier for people to travel between the two towns, as well as encouraging motorists to try the bus instead of driving.”

The 58 service runs between Rochdale, Oldham, Middleton and Bury and operates every half-hour, Monday to Saturday daytime.