Middleton braced for Oasis gigs

Residents are bracing themselves as thousands of revellers are set to flock to Middleton for next weekend's Oasis gigs at Heaton Park.

Middleton could become one huge car park as 210,000 fans of one of Britain's biggest bands are expected to visit Heaton Park over the course of the three days of the concerts, on 4, 6 and 7 June.

Police have been undertaking a number of initiatives in recent weeks to ensure that the concerts pass as smoothy as possible.

Andy Glover, Public Protection Manager at Rochdale Council, said: "There has been a lot of work going on over the last seven weeks. We have worked with the police and have tried to take a range of initiatives to support Middleton residents."

Fourteen streets in the Rhodes area will be closed to visitors so that residents can park safely, while police officers have visited all licensed premises in the area to make sure that they have no inappropriate alcohol offers in place.

Gig-goers will be directed towards Bowlee recreation ground where a park and ride shuttle to Heaton Park will operate.

Mr Glover continued: "Bowlee car park will be safe for people to use. Officers have worked very hard and hopefully residents will be pleased with the outcome."

Meanwhile all local schools and Sure Start centres have been informed that the gig on Thursday 4 June could cause traffic problems during the afternoon school run.

Councillor Terry Linden has worked with officers to make sure the concerts go by as smoothly as possible. "There were concerns that if anyone does park in the wrong place, their vehicles would get towed away to the other side of Manchester. I have been informed that 50 places have been made available at Bowlee Nursery, so all cars will be in an area where they can get them back.

"I think we have done the best we can to make life easier for residents and the concert will bring business and money into Middleton. We have done all we can."