Access to our canals is now plain sailing

Pictured (from the left) Lucy Rogers from the Waterways Trust, Councillor John McCann, cabinet member for regeneration and environment, Darren Bedworth from the Environment Agency and Nick Smith from British Waterways.

ENJOYING the most popular stretches of canal in the borough is now even easier thanks to towpath improvements to Rochdale and Huddersfield canals.

In Saddleworth, the canal towpath from Moorgate Street, Uppermill; to Wool Road, Dobcross; has been resurfaced and widened.

Work will continue to improve access from Moorgate Street to Frenches Wharf Marina in Greenfield later this year.

In Failsworth, the towpath between Wrigley Head and Failsworth District Centre has been resurfaced, with further improvements on the cards for the towpath between Wrigley Head and Hollinwood Avenue, and Failsworth District Centre down to Newton Heath.

Councillor John McCann said: “The canal network in the borough is an excellent way for people to enjoy the local environment which is on their doorstep. These towpath improvements will ensure the canals remain easily accessible for everyone at all times of the year, are clearly signed, and easy to find.”

The work has been funded through the Local Transport Plan.

Nick Smith, regeneration manager at British Waterways said: “Working with Oldham Council, we can offer a pleasant experience for walking, cycling, angling and boating.

“These improvements to the towpaths open up more of our natural heritage for communities and visitors to enjoy.”