Council leader responds to access concerns as new town centre plan is described as 'stupid'
Reporter: Ken Bennett
Date published: 02 November 2022
An Oldham Council image of some of the work being carried out in the town centre last week
Oldham's council leader has responded to mobility access issues surrounding the sweeping new town centre plans after the scheme was described as 'stupid'.
The concerns came in a raft of social media posts after the council revealed its vision to make access to the town centre more accessible.
But a complainant said: “This scheme includes steps making it unsuitable for wheelchair users or anyone with mobility issues.
“You can’t cross the street without having to go all the way round the flowerbeds.
"This is really stupid for a scheme that is supposed to be ‘accessible’.”
Responding, Councillor Amanda Chadderton, Leader of the Council, said: “We do recognise there may be minor inconveniences while the works take place.
“But when the work is complete, it will improve the overall accessibility of the town centre.”
She went on: “Work on the Accessible Oldham scheme is already making a huge difference - the town centre feels more modern and looks better.
“Once work is finished it will provide improved links between the bus station, Henshaw Street, Albion Street and the proposed new Jubilee park.
“We are not only regenerating the area, but removing obstacles like street furniture to make sure it’s easier for pedestrians and cyclists to get around.
“Accessibility for all has been the major driving force between the scheme,” she said.
“That’s why we’ve levelled the cobbled areas and made sure it’s much more comfortable than previous surfacing, especially for people with disabilities, the elderly and push chair users.
“Oldham is quite a hilly town and the town centre is no different, so we have significantly reduced the gradient of the area to also help with events.
“As a result of the landscape, our engineers have had to introduce a number of structural features, including seating areas across the front of Tommyfield Market Hall on Albion Street.
“Incorporated into the new gradient / seating area are a series of steps, leading into the market hall.
“To ensure the area remains accessible to everyone, we have included ramps, which are suitable for wheelchair users, mobility scooters and prams.”
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