'Bandage bridge' under threat

ONE of Oldham's greatest claims to fame may be about to disappear. For the past 26 years a huge advert on a bridge at a gateway to the town centre has proclaimed the fact that it was where the tubular bandage was invented in 1961.

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ONE of Oldham's greatest claims to fame may be about to disappear. For the past 26 years a huge advert on a bridge at a gateway to the town centre has proclaimed the fact that it was where the tubular bandage was invented in 1961. But now the bridge, and the advert, could be under threat. Under plans for the extension of the region's Metrolink tram system, it is due to be replaced by a new terminus. Oldham's small but vital contribution to advancing medical science came with a collaboration between local firm Seton and a cotton manufacturer in the town. Since then the tubular bandage has become commonplace in hospitals around the world. Karen Woosey, of Mölnlycke who now own Seton, said the cotton used to make the bandages each year was enough to stretch to the moon and back 10 times.

Landmark The advert, on the Mumps bridge, has become a much-loved local landmark. But if the bridge goes, the borough has many other historic connections it can boast about. Famous folk from the town include former England football captain David Platt, Take That star Mark Owen, TV host Phillip Schofield and actress Nicola Stephenson. In the music world, the recently reformed band Inspiral Carpets hail from the town. And in sport Oldham's football team were among the founder members of the Premier League.

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