Canal’s new signs of the (old) times

THE WAY FORWARD... Pictured (l-r): John Crompton, Failsworth Historical Society, Christine Orentas, Rochdale Canal Society, Mike Lawson, chairman of Chadderton Historical Society, Councillor Mike Buckley, Councillor Mohib Uddin and Mark Johnson, Chadderton Historical Society. Picture: Anthony Miller

A HERITAGE project promoting Rochdale Canal’s historic legacy is now complete.

Since January, Oldham Council has been working to produce canal-side interpretation boards — ideas and anecdotes were requested for each of the boards, placed at five sites of interest along the Oldham stretch of the water.

The boards, made by Oldham’s Howard Jones Signs, will enhance canalside strolls and offer walkers the chance to discover our local history and heritage.

The council was aided in the production of the boards by the Chadderton and Failsworth historical societies, the Rochdale Canal Society, and members of the public.

Councillor Mohib Uddin, member for regeneration, said: “People have always been able to explore the canal and its wildlife, but we hope that the addition of these boards will now significantly enhance that experience.

“The help of local societies was absolutely essential in making this project a success and we are extremely grateful for their input and knowledge.”

The Rochdale Canal was built more than 200 years ago. After 50 years of closure it was restored and reopened in 2002.

The interpretation project is part of a wider programme of improvements being developed by the Rochdale Canal Partnership.

Councillor Mike Buckley, Oldham’s waterway and heritage champion, said: “This project has been an excellent example of how the community can be involved in heritage projects, bringing the past alive with their specialised local knowledge.

“The Rochdale Canal offers some fantastic leisure and recreation opportunities and it is also vital that we do whatever we can to promote its unique legacy and heritage value.”

The boards — which are expected to draw plenty of interest during the forthcoming Rochdale Canal Festival which runs from July 11-19 — have been installed at Limefield (Mills Hill), River Irk Aqueduct, Foxdenton Lane (Middleton Junction), Wrigley Head (Failsworth) and Tanners Field, Poplar Street (Failsworth).