Road to ruin is repaired at last

Lorry overturned Slackcote Lane Delph in 2001

AN end is in sight for frustrated residents who have been waiting for over a decade to see their road repaired.

Locals on Slackcote Lane in Denshaw experienced an “hallelujah” moment as council workers came to resurface their road — 10 years after it was first damaged in a crash.

The driver of a lorry had a lucky escape in May, 2001, after the road subsided and his vehicle toppled into the culvert spilling tonnes of sand.

Angry residents then tried for years to get the road repaired, arguing deep potholes and trenches were making it a danger.

Some even filled potholes themselves and in February, this year, they lodged a petition to Oldham Council to get something done.

They breathed a sigh of relief as the road was finally put back the way it was.

Glynis Bruce, who helped lead the campaign, said: “We were just so excited when they came to resurface, this has gone on for so long and the road is so much better to drive along now.”

But they’ll have to wait a little while longer than planned to see the retaining wall restored after signs saying work was due to start earlier this month were taken down.

Councillor Jean Stretton, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: “Oldham Council wants to ensure that local residents are fully aware of the proposed scheme for Slackcote Lane.

“As such, officers are planning to meet with the residents in the next couple of weeks.

“Once that meeting has taken place, works will commence on site.”