New Year D-Day for Mumps Bridge

Town Centre news

THE second phase of the Mumps Bridge demolition will take place in the new year as the arrival of Metrolink in Oldham moves a step closer.

Crowds gathered as the northern part of the bridge was removed over the August bank holiday weekend, while contractors will start to demolish the stonework in the middle of the two bridges over the next few months.

Work on demolishing the Baptist Church in King Street, which is no longer in use, will also begin in the next couple of weeks.

Greater Manchester Passenger Transport Executive (GMPTE) is working closely with the council to plan the next phases of construction work, including utility diversions.

Oldham Council leader Howard Sykes said: “We’ve been working very closely with GMPTE and the Town Centre Partnership to finalise a set of arrangements to complete the demolition of Mumps Bridge in a manner that causes the least disruption to motorists and the town centre economy.

“This scheme will ensure that any road closures associated with this work do not have an impact on Christmas trading.”


PLANS are well advanced for Oldham’s Christmas campaign.

Members of the Town Centre Partnership were told about proposals to retain the three most successful elements of last year’s festive events calendar — meaning youngsters will once again be able to meet real reindeer.

Santa’s Reindeer Parade will take place on November 6 to launch the Christmas shopping season.

The parade will make its way through the town centre with characters from the Coliseum panto “Sleeping Beauty” and local brass bands.

Before the parade, street entertainers will hand out goodies to shoppers and after it has finished, Santa will take up residence in his grotto in the Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre.

Wonder
On November 21, there will be a Christmas lights switch on and fireworks spectacular which will include a family oriented stage show.

Santa’s Festive Village will open from December 4 to 19 complete with an ice rink for children.



THERE may be changes on the Town Centre Partnership board.

The partnership, responsible for the management of the town centre, works on environmental quality matters, security, marketing, business support, accessibility and investment. Current members include the council, police, the Coliseum theatre, the Oldham Evening Chronicle and several major retailers.

Board members have agreed to invite new members to join, from Oldham Primary Care Trust, Oldham Community Leisure and University Campus Oldham.

Thre will also be an investigation of new communication methods, from Facebook and Twitter to E-newsletters and a revamped website.