Super six gritters are ready to hit the road!

Oldham’s school children have done the town proud and come up with some great names for Oldham Council's six new gritters.

And some of them will be a little familiar to many of you, thanks to their connections to the borough.

First into action is Frank Gritwell, named after the charity champion, local businessman and owner of Oldham Athletic, Frank Rothwell.

Next up is Andy Gritchie – who takes his name from another Latics legend, Andy Ritchie, who is still as popular today as he was 30 years ago.

Carrying on the football theme is Paul Snowles.

His namesake Paul Scholes, the former England and Manchester United midfielder, who lives in the borough, could spread play as good as our gritters spray salt. 

Then there is Taylor Drift, who surely needs no introduction?

She’ll help form a number one duo with the ever-popular Nicole Saltslinger.

Talking of chart toppers, Mark Snowen will be out on the roads before local lad Mark Owen and the rest of Take That embark on their next tour.

Last, but by no means least, is Gritty Gritty Bang Bang – a popular choice based on the children’s favourite Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Councillor Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “First of all, congratulations to those who came up with the winning names, they are really good.

“This year we had more than 480 entries, including one from a school class.

“Competitions like this really capture the imagination of our children and it’s great so many took part – thanks to everyone who entered.”

Councillor Chris Goodwin, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “Our staff and the gritters help to keep the borough moving when the snow and ice hits so it’s good we can have a bit of fun running competitions like this whilst also highlighting issues such as winter safety.”

To keep residents fully informed of any developments over winter, the council website will be updated and will feature the latest news on school closures, gritting routes, locations of grit bins and grit sales.

For more information, please click here

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