'Inspirational' Oldham son to have road named after him

Oldham Council has announced it is planning to rename a section of Egerton Street between St Mary’s Way and Horsedge Street as "Sir Norman Stoller Way".

Sir Norman Stoller's work in Oldham, both in business and charity, has significantly contributed to the borough and even earned him a knighthood in 2016.

The 90-year-old began his career serving in the RAF, before he joined the Oldham firm Seton Healthcare, which was founded by his father, Ivor, who invented the tubular bandage.

The announcement was made during a celebration at Summit Up, which is located on what will soon be called Sir Norman Stoller Way (Image: Oldham Council)

Sir Norman eventually built Seton Healthcare into a worldwide brand and one of Oldham’s biggest employers.

Meanwhile, his philanthropic work through the Stoller Charitable Trust has benefited the community, including support for Mahdlo, the Get Oldham Working campaign, and two world-leading cancer research centres.

The decision to rename the stretch of Egerton Street as "Sir Norman Stoller Way" comes after a consultation with local residents and businesses.

It will span from the mini-roundabout outside The Blue Coat School to the junction with St Mary’s Way, passing in front of Mahdlo Youth Zone and Summit Up, recognising Sir Norman’s contributions to youth work in the heart of Oldham.

Sir Norman said he has been humbled by the honour (Image: Oldham Council)

Sir Norman said: "I'm humbled by this honour and it really is a privilege to be recognised by Oldham Council in this special way."

Cllr Arooj Shah, leader of Oldham Council, said: “Sir Norman’s contributions to Oldham, the economy, young people, business, and good causes are simply unmatched.

"The way he has supported the town and our residents over the years is inspirational. With this renaming, we’re paying tribute to his enduring impact on our borough.”

Along with the street renaming, a blue plaque recognising the invention of the tubular bandage by Seton Products has been repaired and reinstalled. 

Sir Norman alongside the restored blue plaque (Image: Oldham Council)

The plaque was originally placed on the head office building, Tubiton House, but was believed to be lost when the building was demolished after Sir Norman retired and sold the company to Mölnlycke.

However, the plaque was recently found and has now been restored and reinstalled within Mölnlycke's grounds.

The plaque commemorates the invention of the tubular bandage as well as Sir Norman’s work in business.