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Oldham Renew Paint Shop offers affordable pre-loved paint

Oldham's Renew Paint Shop at Arkwright Street Recycling Centre sells leftover water-based paint for a minimum £3 donation per pot, with each container at least half full. Since opening in November 2024, the shop has redistributed 5,710 litres of reused paint - enough to cover half of Blackpool Tower. The initiative, run by Recycle for Greater Manchester and SUEZ, aims to reduce waste while providing affordable decorating options. Councillor Elaine Taylor praised residents for embracing reuse, noting the shop benefits both wallets and the environment. The shop operates daily from 9.30am to 12.30pm and 1pm to 6pm, with proceeds supporting local community projects through the Greater Manchester Mayor's Charity and Renew Community Fund.

community

Oldham urged to rediscover libraries in 2026 National Year of Reading

Oldham Council's Cllr Peter Dean is encouraging residents to rediscover their local libraries in 2026, designated as the National Year of Reading by The National Literacy Trust. Oldham has 12 libraries across the borough, including the central library in Oldham's Cultural Quarter and recently refurbished Northmoor Library in Coldhurst. The central library, which attracts 900,000 visitors annually, was highly commended in the British Book Awards and was a finalist in the North England regional award. Libraries are free to join and offer various services including physical books, digital borrowing through the Borrowbox app, and community groups like Knit and Natter. The National Year of Reading includes events such as author talks, World Book Night celebrations, and the Summer Reading Challenge.