On the road to track and ruin

Metrolink works on Union Street, Oldham.

BELEAGUERED businesses battered by the recession and Metrolink work are pleading for the council’s help.

The red flare from traders on Yorkshire Street, Union Street, George Street and High Street is, they say, a last-ditch attempt for survival.

In a letter to the Chronicle they say they’re landlocked by tram works and squeezed by a devastating financial climate.

They claim shoppers are forsaking them and they face ruin unless the council steps in.

Twenty-seven shop-owners have signed the letter urging the council to act quickly and spruce up the streets to create an area the whole borough can be proud of.

As well as calling for better sign-posting for shoppers, the traders say council chiefs need to tackle the dereliction and neglect, especially on Yorkshire Street, in preparation for the opening of Mumps station.

And instead of blaming retailers for the degeneration of the town, they says it’s time the council pulled their finger out and did its bit.

Brendan O’Grady, co-owner of Yorkshire Street’s Muso’s outlet, says the area has massive potential but knocking the retailers already there isn’t helping.

“When the Metrolink station opens one of the first places people will see is Yorkshire Street and it’s not exactly a good advert for the town is it?” said Brendan.

“There’s lots of potential, it could be a vibrant, busy area, but it needs backing from the council and everyone pulling in the right direction instead of certain people at the council pointing the finger.

“Businesses can only really look after themselves in this climate and while we’re happy to make our shops bright and attractive the empty, shuttered properties aren’t our responsibility. There’s lots of talking but not a lot of doing.

“While the fact we’re a specialist shop helps to keep us going we’ve lost count of the number of times a customer rings us up and says they’re coming to the shop but then rings back saying they couldn’t get on to Yorkshire Street because of all the roadworks. It is a struggle, let’s just hope it’s worth it in the end.”