Fresh plaque brightens up landmark lamp

THE special town centre lamp and its new plaque

FOR more than 21 years, Oldhamers have used a unique town-centre fish-design street lamp as a meeting place.

Now Oldham Council has recognised the local craftsman who created it for the town in 1994.

John Costello ran one of a number of nationwide foundries commissioned to make the lamps for the Thames Embankment in London. One of the lamps remained unused in John’s foundry and when he retired, the Chadderton-born ironworker donated it to the council.

An original plaque recognising Jack’s donation has been removed and a new brass plaque has replaced it, bearing the words: “Presented to Oldham town centre in 1994 by John Costello upon retirement from his Old Road iron foundry, Oldham.”

Jack, who regularly visits the town centre, said: “The lamp was in the foundry yard when I retired and I thought that it would look well in the town centre.”

Council leader Jim McMahon said: “Craftsmanship of this quality is rarely seen these days. It’s only right that we properly mark Jack’s donation.”