Hopes high of finding playgroup a new home

SADDLEWORTH AND LEES DISTRICT PARTNERSHIP
Saddleworth Special Needs Playgroup could soon be found a new home.

The Oldham Chronicle earlier this week revealed how the playgroup, established over 40 years ago, was in need of a new home after NHS Oldham decided to sell off the building that houses the group in Springhead.

Michael Jameson, Oldham Council’s director of children’s services, said that he had received word from the Primary Care Trust and that they were confident an alternative place could be found.

He said that the council would need to look at the needs of the group and work with the volunteers to find a location that is suitable.

Councillor Alan Roughley suggested that the spare classrooms at a local school could be used.

Councillor Barbara Beeley said that the former scout hut at the Springhead Community Centre could be an option for the group, which is now being considered despite it needing a lot of renovation.

The issue reignited the argument of a new health centre in Saddleworth.

Councillor Bill Cullen said: “The PCT use the excuse that they can’t get the land to build on and here they are getting ready to sell one off, I’m disgusted.”