A VILLAGE community was left in shock after its iconic landmark was wrecked in an accident on the morning of Christmas Eve.
The imposing monument in Dobcross square was erected by public subscription more than a hundred years ago as a tribute to Saddleworth’s first medical officer of health Walter Henry Fox Ramsden.
But the monument, believed to weigh up to ten tonnes, was toppled from its plinth after being struck accidentally by a van on December 24.
The stone’s ornately-carved canopy, topped by a copper lantern, finished up in broken sections on Woods Lane with the main stone panels lying around a wooden bench which was destroyed by the fall.
Caring villagers helped the council highway team to tidy the scene and a team from E.on switched off power and the area nearby was cordoned off.
A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said: “The driver reported the incident to the local council and details were exchanged.
“There was no requirement for police to attend and the council were dealing with the broken monument.”
Now, local historian and Saddleworth Parish councillor Mike Buckley has written to Oldham Council seeking advice and expert assistance to remove, restore and re-erect the monument to its former glory.
He said: “The monument is part of the very fabric of the village square. It’s admired by everyone.
“The panels have been chipped by the accident but with expert care they should be able to be restored.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.