Opening up the great outdoors

WORK on creating cycle and play trails at Crompton Moor will begin in the summer, Oldham Council has revealed.

Council chiefs say it will start after the bird nesting season and will give families more reasons to visit and enjoy the beauty spot.

The council has been allocated £30,000 from the Big Lottery Fund for the project, which will include a family cycle trail and skills area, and a natural play trail on the spoil heaps next to Brushes Clough car park.

The aim is to allow greater access to Crompton Moor while protecting its character and wildlife and encouraging more people to enjoy the wider countryside.

Some residents who use the area to walk their dogs have complained, though, over fears their views are being ignored and the moor will be harmed.

In 2007, Oldham Play Partnership successfully bid to the Big Lottery Fund for funding and as part of the boroughwide “Adventures in Play” programme money was allocated to the project.

Initial proposals were to use the money to replace existing bike trails on the moor, which had been built without approval by mountain bikers, with a purpose-built managed freeride trail.

However, following public meetings and workshops in May and June last year, the original idea changed and the new facilities were proposed. Further consultation, including with the Crompton Moor User group, also took place.

Councillor Mark Alcock, Cabinet Member for Environment and Infrastructure, said: “The cycle and play trails will provide families with more reasons to visit and enjoy Crompton Moor.

“These great outdoor facilities will mean people can enjoy the countryside on their doorstep while at the same time helping them to keep fit and healthy.

“The longer term access project for Crompton Moor will be a credit to the borough and will allow citizens better access to the moor and countryside beyond.”