Residents have their say on plans to improve getting around Oldham town centre

As part of the council's proposals to transform the town centre, its Accessible Oldham scheme was devised to improve roads, footpaths and public areas over the next few years.

The project will begin soon with improvements to Henshaw Street and Albion Street, where the council will plant trees and put in new seating, street art and bike parking to make the town centre more attractive and vibrant.

The local authority also aim to improve the route between the town centre and the bus station.

Proposals to improve Henshaw Street and Albion Street in Oldham

The council says the "scheme will make a huge difference to the look and feel of our town centre and complement the wider regeneration works including the redevelopment of Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre and the creation of a brand new park".

The scheme is being funded after Oldham Council successfully bid for financial support from a number of funding pots, including the Local Growth Deal, Future High Streets Fund and the GM Mayor’s Cycling and Walking Challenge Fund.

The programme will also bring Oldham’s first CYCLOPS (cycle optimised protected signals) junction to the borough, at Egerton Street and St Mary’s Way – a key route into the town centre.

The unique junction design separates people travelling on foot and by bike from traffic, reducing the possibility of collisions or conflict.

The junction will be part of Greater Manchester's Bee Network, which aims to create the UK’s largest cycling and walking network and make walking and cycling the natural choices for shorter journeys.

There are also proposed changes to Fountain Street, West Street/Cheapside, Market Place and Curzon Street, Lord Street/High Street as well as a new Southlink development site at the Oldham Way/Prince Street junction as well as improved access around Tommyfield Market Hall into the High Street.

Many have reacted positively to the plans as part of the council's The Big Oldham Council Conversation consultation.

One resident said: "Enabling us to use all areas of the town centre easily is a positive development.

"I like plans to plant more trees and seating area."

Another added: "The ability to walk safely through the town and access all parts of the town is crucial to promoting confidence for people."

A third said: "All sound very exciting and I can't wait to see the end result."

Other people raised concerns though.

One said: "I am in favour of pedestrianisation to encourage more walking and/or cycling, but have strong reservations about safety when walkers and cyclists share the same space."