Author: Ken Bennett

FOR THE first time in twenty years, children will return to a Greenfield school this month without a lollipop lady. But in an ironic twist,…

View More Will YOU help save Lesley’s job?

DEDICATED ROAD crews worked round the clock to keep Saddleworth’s roads open after biting gales dumped tonnes of snow – cutting off villages, closing roads…

View More Snow blitz

A COUNCILLOR has suggested a Saddleworth village could be used for a revolutionary traffic experiment. Inconsiderate parking in the centre of Dobcross caused chaos for…

View More Would a total parking ban solve problems?

A SADDLEWORTH village, distinguished by a tree growing out of an ancient mill chimney, is set to regain its full identity. Austerlands on the main…

View More Cash windfall to boost villages’ pride

A PASSIONATE heritage champion claims he was side-lined after being asked to oversee the restoration of an historic Saddleworth war memorial. OMBC and parish councillor…

View More War breaks out over memorial

AIMEE HOWARTH is taking over the Editor’s chair and becoming Publisher of the Saddleworth Independent which celebrates its third birthday this month. Aimee, 22, from…

View More New moves at Independent

TWO BUSES were stranded for nearly two hours at night and police were called to sort out parking problems in a pretty Saddleworth village. Locals…

View More Strangled to death?

SADDLEWORTH is losing two of its most familiar police officers in a major streamlining operation but Uppermill police station will remain open. The moves were…

View More The slimmer blue line…

Young Greenfield cubs have not been inspired by the thoughts of reaching for the stars and dancing like screen hero Billy Elliot… Instead they have…

View More Cub dancing… morris style

Dave Morris is hoping to whistle up a star part in a new block-buster film. Dave, the world‘s champion whistler from Dobcross, is following in…

View More Dave’s on the road to success

A mother of five has become Saddleworth Rotary Club’s first-ever woman member. Gail Hunter, 41, was inducted into the club by Rotary’s national president, John…

View More First woman Rotarian

A DOG-LOVING couple’s act of kindness has landed them with an eye-watering vets bill. Their problems began after Stephen Battersby stopped on a busy main…

View More Dog owners’ dilemma

PUBLICAN TOM Harrop and his wife Janette are famed for reaching out and identifying needy causes in the local  community. But their latest fund-raising initiative has touched the…

View More Heart’s desire of pub couple

A GENEROUS-SPIRITED pub landlord has been praised after he sacrificed his own personal 60th birthday celebrations – and gave the money to charity. Popular Addy…

View More Addy calls time on his birthday for charity

AN INVESTIGATION by the Independent has revealed chaos caused by thoughtless drivers at the height of a raging blizzard on one of Saddleworth’s most notorious roads.…

View More Madness on the moor

THEY CAME… they pondered in homage to the boyish new ‘Master of the Universe.’ Brian Cox, The People’s Professor was in town and the audience…

View More Lydgate: the centre of the Universe?

SADDLEWORTH AIR  Cadets are hoping for lift off after landing  a new headquarters in the heart of Diggle. The opening of the refurbished Diggle Day Nursery and Education Centre…

View More New nursery is home for high-fliers

TOP LOCAL chef Mark Pemberton is aiming to claim some top accolades with his cooking at the newly re-furbished Inn. Mark is head chef at The Old Bell…

View More Mark’s menus ring the bell

THIS IS the dedicated team of snowbusters who have declared war on winter – working round the clock to keep Saddleworth’s highways and byways open.…

View More Beating the winter blues

THE INFLUENTIAL British Insurers Brokers  Association warns motorists not to leave vehicles unattended with the engine running while defrosting the windscreen, as many insurers will not…

View More Frosty warning

A TOP windscreen repair company has issued tips for drivers to ensure safe journeys in poor weather conditions. Initially – particularly ahead of long distance…

View More Key checks for safe winter driving

SHRUG OFF those icy Wintry blasts and head for some excellent comfort food in one of Saddleworth’s great eateries. Because Saddleworth residents are spoiled for…

View More Seriously good food

TWO LOCAL councillors are demanding an inquiry into why thousands of Saddleworth households where left a month without refuse and recycling collections. John McCann, Saddleworth…

View More What a load of rubbish