£1m sewer work disruption fears

ORGANISERS of two big Saddleworth summer events are hoping talks with United Utilities will avert traffic disruption during a £1 million sewer upgrade scheme.

Church Road is the traditional route used by Saddleworth Morris Men to pull their rushcart from Uppermill to St Chad’s Parish Church for a service and celebration (Aug 23, 24). But it faces closure and diversions for sewer work from next month.

A new Pennine 1940s Weekend (Jul 25-27) at the Church Inn is also under a shadow because of the work.

The upgrade work in Church Road, New Street and Bolton’s Yard is due to start on June 2 until the end of August.

Rushcart festival secretary Eddie Worrall said: “If Church Road is taken out of use our cart could not take the diversion route. The festival is our biggest event of the year and one of the biggest for the parish church. We are trying to find an opportunity to keep that route open.”

Tess Smith, a United Utilities project co-ordinator, said: “We will happily discuss the situation with event organisers and will accommodate where we can, but there isn’t much room for flexibility.

“We have agreed with Oldham Council to minimise disruption by working extended hours and within school holidays. Our priority will be to keep to this schedule.”