Tour de France money-spinner

DESPITE a mass exodus by thousands, local businesses reported a healthy boost with the arrival of the Tour de France cycle race.

Bright sunshine wooed excited fans to vantage points near Rochdale and Saddleworth and lifted visitor numbers by thousands.

Bob Marshall from Winos, of George Street, Oldham, said: “There as been quite amazing uplift in business generated by the race passing through the local area. It’s like Christmas all over again.”

He had been busy delivering extra supplies of wines and beers to pub-restaurants located on or near to the route.

The hot spots were around Hebden Bridge, Sowerby Bridge and Cragg Vale where visitors crammed the hilly roads to celebrate with glass of wine or a locally-brewed pint.

Phil Whiteman, managing director of the Old Bell Inn Delph, said: “This is a very exciting time for us.

“All 18 bedrooms were fully booked this weekend, with guests travelling from across the UK and Europe to catch a glimpse of the Tour De France.”

Nigel Hadfield, who runs the 12-acre family-owned Well-i-hole farm caravan site at Greenfield, said visitors had booked pitches months ago.

“Some came from London and the Midlands,” he said. “We also had a wedding celebration and a folk music event. Its been good for us.”

Andrew Stokes, chief executive of Marketing Manchester, said: “We’re thrilled the Tour de France skirted through Greater Manchester.

“Not only has this been a great day out for nearby residents but also for the thousands of visitors who flocked from far and wide to get a glimpse of the action — bringing unprecedented focus on picturesque spots such as Saddleworth, Blackstone Edge and Littleborough.”