Oldham

Oldham is a metropolitan borough in Greater Manchester, in the North West of England. The borough sits on the edge of the South Pennines, east-northeast of Manchester city centre, and includes Oldham town along with Chadderton, Failsworth, Royton, Shaw and Crompton, and Saddleworth. Much of the area occupies upland moorland and steep valleys, with pockets of former mill towns clustered along river valleys. The landscape around Saddleworth Moor and Werneth Low frames much local recreation and walking.
Oldham grew rapidly in the 19th century as a centre of cotton spinning; mill chimneys and former textile buildings remain in town centres and suburbs. Transport links include the Manchester Metrolink tram line serving central Oldham and frequent bus routes to Manchester and Rochdale. The borough hosts cultural venues, community centres and a football club at Boundary Park, whose exposed pitch is often remarked on for cold winter conditions and clear views across the surrounding hills. Local planning mixes conservation of industrial heritage with ongoing regeneration.