Green for go on new mountain bike trail

WORK begins this week on building a family-friendly mountain bike trail on Crompton Moor.

The 1km trail, graded green (which means it is suitable for families or beginners), will be on the spoil heaps at Brushes Clough.

Work is due to begin after the bird-nesting season has finished, with local volunteers helping to build the track.

The work fits in with Oldham Council’s plan to allow greater access to Crompton Moor while protecting its character and wildlife, and encouraging more people to enjoy the wider countryside.

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

Initial proposals were to use the money to replace the existing bike trails on the moor — that had been created by mountain bikers without approval — with a purpose-built trail.

Following public meetings and workshops, local people had their say and the new family-friendly facilities were proposed.