Balloons spread the news that Werneth is changing

USA (SANEPR.com) May 2, 2008 -- News about the regeneration of Werneth has been spreading across the country, and this led to prizes for some young residents of the Oldham neighbourhood.
At the Housing Market Renewal supported-‘Werneth is Changing’ funday held in September, local people released a hundred helium filled balloons. Those that travelled the furthest won prizes for the residents who released them.
The furthest travelled balloon reached Bedfordshire, and two others were found in Derby. The three winners were Sheban Farooq, Maria Typa and Hena Khan. Each of the winners has received £20 of gift vouchers to spend in the Spindles Shopping Centre, Oldham.

Ruth Billingham Principal Regeneration Officer with Oldham Council said, “Lots of people had a really enjoyable and informative time at the funday, opening the first home zone in Oldham, seeing some of the new homes that have been built and learning about the plans for many more high quality homes that are on the way. The balloon race added a little extra to share the message about all the positive things happening in Werneth.”

The Werneth is Changing event, held at Norfolk Street Home Zone was an opportunity for residents and visitors to find out more about the huge developments both taking place and planned for Werneth. People were asked their views of progress so far and 96% of people who completed a questionnaire said that Werneth is beginning to change for the better.

Plenty of family entertainment was also on offer, with craft workshops, circus performers, street games, face painting, competitions, music and dance. Oldham PCT carried out health checks and offered advice.

The day enabled local people to meet the development teams working with Oldham Council and Housing Market Renewal to regenerate the neighbourhood. In North Werneth, developer Keepmoat is working with West Pennine Housing Association (part of the Regenda Group).
Work has already started to build 63 attractive, energy-efficient homes at the site between Suthers Street and Edward Street. In south Werneth BASE, a consortium of Barratt and Artisan, is working with Great Places Housing Group.