Saddleworth footpath closed for months for spillway works

Walkers in Saddleworth face months of disruption after Oldham Council extended the closure of a popular footpath for essential waterworks. Footpath 272 along Chew Road will remain shut from its junction with Chew Brook to where it meets Footpath 270 until at least September 30, as United Utilities carries out spillway improvements.

The council confirmed the closure extension on March 30, having secured permission from the Secretary of State. While the path will stay closed during weekdays for the duration of the works, council officers say they'll reopen it outside working hours and at weekends whenever possible to minimise inconvenience to local walkers.

The closure affects a key route for hikers and dog walkers in the Chew Valley area, forcing them to find alternative paths through the picturesque countryside. United Utilities says the spillway works are necessary to maintain the integrity of local water infrastructure, though the exact nature of the improvements hasn't been detailed.

Residents can view the full closure order at Spindles Oldham, the council's main public access point for official documents. The council has directed people to the Public Notice Portal for updates on other local disruptions, suggesting this may be one of several infrastructure projects affecting the borough this year.