NHS heroes and key workers have flower power

OLDHAM Council is saying a blooming great thank you to the borough’s NHS heroes and key workers.

Bosses at the local authority are trumpeting thier multi award-winning horticultural staff who they say have transformed the town centre WOW Bed into a tribute to those who are risking their lives for the safety of others.

The huge "THANK YOU" design is accompanied by two rainbows.

With most of the council's horticultural suppliers being closed due to the coronavirus our gardeners had to be creative and made the centrepiece out of shrubs, flowers, wildflower, grasses and stone.

Keyline Oldham and Brentwood Moss Nurseries donated the materials.

Cllr Ateeque Ur Rehman, cabinet member for neighbourhood services, said: “The superb work NHS staff and key workers are doing during this difficult time is immeasurable.

“We wanted to pay our own unique tribute to those who are working night and day to help residents, so we came up with this idea.

“It’s our little way of saying thank you and showing our appreciation.”

“I’d like to say a big thank you to our Environmental Services staff who have done a great job bringing the WOW bed to life.”

The rainbows will be relocated to prominent positions somewhere in the borough in the future to create a lasting legacy, he said.

Every Thursday night - to coincide with the 8pm Clap for Carers - local lighting effects company, MSL Limited, of Manchester Street has been lighting up the Civic Centre blue.