A little history as you shop

LOCAL history . . . Asda service manager Sue Backhouse with the display

SHOPPERS at a Shaw supermarket can buy their groceries and learn a bit about the history of the site at the same time.

Asda, in Eastway, is built on the site of Dawn Mill, which closed in 1965 and was demolished five years ago.

Now, customers can chart the life of the old landmark, from construction to demolition, through an extensive display of black and white photos from the past displayed at the tills.

The Shaw display has proved a hit, with locals gaining an insight into Dawn Mill, the first to install steam power, and its architect PS Scott.

l Local residents in Saddleworth were left disappointed when Oldham Council recently allowed Tesco to install a display board instead of reinstating part of the Wellington mill in the design of its new store, due to open in Greenfield early next year.

However, the supermarket giant could take a leaf out of its rival’s book and provide residents with a reminder of the building in its former glory.