Flood-easing work starts in Uppermill

Utility giant United Utilities is close to finalising a plan to bring flooding relief to parts of Uppermill.

As a prelude to the million pound project, the company is carrying out work close to Pickhill Lane and Church Road from Monday.

United Utilities spokesman Lee Watts: “We’re close to finalising our plans with Oldham Council regarding the sewer works itself and will share that with community as soon as we can.”

Last year, the utility company postponed plans to close Church Road after listening to concerns from locals.

United Utilities still needs to improve the local sewer network in sections but road closures to allow pipe-laying will not now happen until May. Residents have been worried that diversions would take vehicles on a 3.5 mile diversion route over high, narrow lanes with no passing points at the worst point of the winter.