Walk this way...

BEST foot forward . . . Andrew Sayers (left) and Councillor Adrian Alexander

A PAIR of campaigning pathfinders are aiming to restore old walkways to encourage tourists to come to the area.

The idea could see walks linked to local Oldham tram stops, bringing visitors into town then guiding them out across surrounding countryside.

The idea comes from Oldham councillor Adrian Alexander and keen walker Andrew Sayers, from Greenfield.

“We could do walks from all the tram stops, having maps available at each stop,” said the Saddleworth West and Lees councillor. “Though trams don’t carry cycles, we looked for cycle tracks for visitors, and at hiring bikes at all stops.”

Mr Sayers, a member of the Cyclist Touring Club and a former member of a walking club, said: “We aren’t really talking about a new trail, more turning odd walks into a coherent pattern.

New signs would be a big help, the pair believe.

“Signs tell you the way to Mumps station but don’t say if it is 200 metres or two miles away.

“Nothing tells the passer-by the path is a traffic-free route to Alexandra retail park and only a step to Alexandra Park, with tennis courts, café and formal walks. There is nothing to nudge you into trying new places. You won’t find signs to connect with the linear park in the opposite direction — threading through Clarksfield, Lees, Springhead to Grotton.”

“The more adventurous traveller might even thread their way through Grotton, up the hill to Lydgate and on to join the Pennine Bridleway through Greenfield to the moors.”

The duo wants Oldham Council to look at funding possibilities and sponsorship to achieve their aim.