‘Act of self-vandalism’ says councillor on flowerbed removal

The ‘WOW Bed’, located opposite the Spindles shopping centre entrance on Market Place, has formed part of the borough’s winning entries for ‘Best City’ in the Britain in Bloom awards in 2012 and 2014.

However, the council began to dig up the flowerbed on September 25 ahead of new paving, seating areas, and run-off gardens being installed from next year.

By Thursday afternoon, the flowerbed was unrecognisable, with a mound of soil in place of the previous garden.

Paving shows that the bed was separated from the ground, different to how a run-off garden would be able to absorb rainwater, slowing its absorption into the drainage system.

The garden has been reduced to soil (Image: Jack Fifield, Newsquest)

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'Act of self-vandalism'

Speaking in front of the removal site, Liberal Democrat Cllr Louie Hamblett said: “I think it is an absolute act of self-vandalism.

"I do understand that it’s part of the regeneration programme, but considering the work’s not going to be started until next year, surely we would have had at least another year or so of enjoying this bit of green space that we don’t actually have in the town centre.

“Birds, bees and children get a bit of green space here in Oldham, and they’re removing that.

"Ultimately we weren’t told about this as councillors and backbenchers, I’m sure it was probably buried in a cabinet report somewhere, which is my next task to actually do that, and probably ask the question as to who signed off on it and what’s the reason."

@theoldhamtimes An Oldham councillor has spoken of his shock as he said councillors 'weren't told' of the removal of the town's WOW flower bed #Oldham #flowers #britaininbloom ♬ original sound - The Oldham Times

He added: “I think a lot of people are rightly upset by this, there were a lot of questions asked which people saw on Twitter. A lot of people asked questions on Facebook and I saw that it got removed quite quickly.

“There’s not really much accountability going on, so I think it’s quite right that people do ask the questions and find out what’s actually going in its place, are we going to see it coming back, and when really.

“People weren’t told, people weren’t even asked, people weren’t informed at all. Why not ask people their opinions, why not tell people what’s happening thereafter?

“If you give an explanation and say ‘We’re removing it, but don’t worry something’s coming up afterwards’ or ‘We’re having a bigger garden or something new’, then I think people would understand, but why not be truthful about it? I think that’s the thing isn’t it, people are really shocked and surprised.”

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'Aim of creating more green areas dotted around the town centre'

Cllr Arooj Shah, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “We’re transforming Market Place on the High Street as part of our plans to make Oldham town centre greener.

“In early 2024 we’ll start to bring this to life and will include new gardens, seating areas, and new paving, much like the changes we’ve already made to Albion Street and Henshaw Street.

“So the scheme can get underway, we need to remove the flowerbed near Primark.

“It’s been a great addition to the town centre for many years, and I’d just like to thank our staff in the parks team, who have done a brilliant job of maintaining it.  

“The work is all part of our plans to progress the town centre and create a beautiful town centre park – bringing a large green space and a place for family and friends to play and relax.

“In addition to the main town centre park, our teams are developing a much wider scheme to replace the current flower bed, with the aim of creating more green areas dotted around the town centre.”