Pals band together to save music bar

CHEERS . . . the new owners of Whittles, from left, John Dodd, Martin Schofield and Neil Haughton

THREE local businessmen have provided an encore for one of Oldham’s best-loved music venues.

Former rock haunt Whittles closed last month - but will reopen its doors tonight with a vow to continue a live music policy.

Owners Here For You Hospitality have leased the King Street venue to pals Martin Schofield, from Lees, Neil Haughton, of Royton and John Dodd, from Derker.

Martin (51) said: “If we hadn’t taken it on the shutters would have stayed down, leaving Oldham with another lost music venue.”

The trio plans to organise concerts from a variety of music styles, not just rock.

Whittles has been refurbished in the past few weeks and is to retain its free admission policy.

Martin hopes this weekend will be the dawn of a new era.

He added: “Me and Neil have known each other since college and were regulars at Whittles. I work with Here For You Hospitality on other projects and was asked if I was interested. Without hesitation we all got on board as we are all passionate about music.”