Panto style air hostesses get Langley meeting off to a flying start

Date published: 01/02/2006

Langley residents were greeted at a meeting about improvements to the area by a trio of air hostesses dressed in bright pink panto-style costumes.

Theatre group the Sky Muffins provided an ‘ice breaker’ at the Housing Market Renewal event on Monday 30 January at St Mary’s RC School.

A series of meetings have been planned to bring residents in the area up to date about plans to invest millions of pounds to improve neighbourhoods.

The colourful trio chatted with residents, served tea and did a comedy take on pointing out the exits and safety procedures.

Steve Bloomer, Neighbourhood Project Manager for Housing Market Renewal, said: “We are holding a series of community meetings aimed at encouraging residents to get involved in the planned improvements to Langley and to have their say on the changes they would like to see happen.  The Sky Muffins are a great ice breaker – they encourage people to get involved and help put people at ease.”

More than £6 million of Housing Market Renewal investment has been spent in the last two years in Langley on boundary treatments, home security features, environmental improvements, car parking and community projects.  A second bid for funding has been made to Government and an announcement is expected soon.

Mum-of-two Rachael Bailey, 32 who has lived on Grasmere Walk for eight months, says she would not have considered moving to Langley a few years ago.

She said: “Langley has really changed in the last couple of years – it is fantastic.  I’m impressed with the railing work that has been done and think more homes should benefit in the future.”

Rachael who moved from Hollinwood to buy the former council house added:  “It was good to be asked for our views and the Sky Muffins meant it was certainly different from most meetings.”

The next Housing Market Renewal meeting for Area Four – the Fairfield Road area – will take place at St Mary’s School on Monday 13 February from 5pm to 7pm, with a presentation at 5.15pm.  The Sky Muffins will also be there.

The Oldham Rochdale Housing Market Renewal Pathfinder is working closely with partners Lovells, Bowlee Park Housing Association and Rochdale Council to improve Langley.  A better choice of housing coupled with nicer surroundings will help to keep people in the area and attract new families.