Family-friendly town centre is child’s play

YOUNG visitors to Oldham town centre will be able to climb, swing and slide thanks to a brand new play area.

Oldham Council is to build the area in High Street to attract more families to shop.

Council Leader Jim McMahon said: “We are also looking at the bigger picture. We have to rethink what town centres are about. To thrive in the future they must offer more than retail space because out of town retail parks, the Internet and even supermarkets have changed shopper habits for ever.

“We hope this become a favourite place for youngsters to visit and play — and we plan to have it open next month, in time for the start of the summer school holidays.”

The area will have climbs, swings and a slide with platforms, a walkway and ladders. A smaller unit will have a low-level platform with a climbing slope and sliding ramp.