It’s as you were for Whit Friday

SAFETY promise . . . Chief Supt Tim Forber

Fears allayed over road closures

WHIT Friday organisers have been told the annual band contests and beer walk will go-ahead as planned despite fears that road closures would disrupt the popular events.

The news comes after it was announced that changes would be made to traffic management.

Saddleworth Round Table, whose annual charity beer walk takes place the day after the band contests, were worried about about their regular route round the villages being affected.

A spokesman for Oldham Council said: “For the first time, following advice from Greater Manchester Police, the A670 Uppermill High Street will be completely closed to traffic at the two events.

“This will enhance safety for pedestrians over the two events.

“In other villages, the most notable changes will be improved signage.

“Greater Manchester Police has informed the council there will be just as many police officers present this year as there have been at past events.

“The council’s staff and contractors work closely with the organisers, and GMP, to ensure traffic diversions, stewarding and policing arrangements work smoothly. Unusually among local authorities, Oldham Council charges no fees for legal road closures, the erection of signs and barriers, temporary no-waiting coning or for cleaning the streets after a major event.

“It does this specifically to ensure organisers of charitable events can direct money to their causes.”

This year alone, some 25 events across the borough, from street parties to carnivals, will benefit from this policy.

Councillor John McCann, Cabinet member for community services and housing, said: “Oldham Council fully supports the Whit Friday band contests, both financially and through tourist marketing to ensure increasing numbers of visitors can enjoy this traditional event.

“The council hopes everyone involved will have a fantastic day.

“We wish the very best of luck to all participating bands — in particular those from the Oldham and Saddleworth area.”

Oldham’s Chief Superintendent, Tim Forber, said: “These are traditional events which bring the communities of Saddleworth and the wider borough together.

“Our aim is to ensure these events go ahead safely and smoothly so that everyone involved has a fantastic time.

“Being new to Oldham, I have already been out and about meeting residents and community groups.

“These events will provide me with another opportunity to get a taste of the borough’s community spirit — something I’m looking forward to.”

Robert Rodgers is chairman of the Oldham and Saddleworth central Whit Friday Committee which organises the brass band contest.

Last year’s event was attended by 139 bands.

He said: “I am delighted the council and police have had a change of heart about the organisation of the Whit Friday contest.

“We can now get on with organising our own individual contests.”

A Round Table spokesman said: “We are relieved the situation has been resolved and would like to thank local councillors for their support.

“We know we will have another fantastic record-breaking day raising money for charities.”

The band contests are due to take place on May 28 with the beer walk on May 29.