New gritters named by Oldham schoolchildren hit the road

The gritters, which are already on the roads after snow hit the borough last night, replaced six retired gritters after they had collectively gritted nearly a million miles of Oldham’s streets.

The lucky schoolchildren who won the competition got a chance to meet the gritters alongside council bosses at an event on Wednesday evening.

First into action is Frank Gritwell, named after the charity champion, local businessman and owner of Oldham Athletic, Frank Rothwell. The real Frank is set to row across the Atlantic Ocean in aid of Alzheimer’s Research UK next month.

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. Ritchie recently urged the Latics not to rush over their next managerial appointment.

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Carrying on the football theme is Paul Snowles. The human Paul Scholes is a former England and Manchester United midfielder who lives in the borough, and owns the eponymous Scholes Gym on Lees Road.

Mark Snowen is out on the roads before local lad Mark Owen and the rest of Take That embark on their next tour. In the summer, Owen remembered growing up in Oldham at the premiere of the Take That ‘Greatest Days’ movie.

The gritter Mark Snowen (Image: Oldham Council)

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Taylor Drift is forming a gritting duo with Nicole Saltslinger. The names are based on real-life popstars Taylor Swift and Nicole Scherzinger.

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

Council leader congratulates winners

Cllr 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.”

The gritter Gritty Gritty Bang Bang (Image: Oldham Council)

Cllr 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.

If you have a story, I cover the whole borough of Oldham. Please get in touch at jack.fifield@newsquest.co.uk or click to send me a message on WhatsApp or on Signal on 07517566383.