PHOTO TRIP TO OLDHAM AND ROCHDALE COMPLETED TODAY

A late change of plan and I ended up filming buses at Oldham and Rochdale getting an hour on each. Oldham actually had a frequent service of mainly deckers  from First their last bastion in Greater Manchester and Stagecoach plus Stotts, Manchester Community transport having ceased. I had some nice chats with bus drivers and passers by, it was very quiet on the buses still few people wearing masks which becomes mandatory next week, even drivers still not wearing masks although they have screens. I was amazed ow busy the services were and that Rochdale was nothing like Oldham and it was like watching paint dry and took a long time to complete, rush hour does not exist the same level of services seems to be throughout. In Oldham town centre a bit of pedestrian lane making at pinch points studiously ignored by people and long queues at all banks and for taxis. The Metrolink loud speaker continually exhorted people not to use public transport, I'm sure this was an old message, now it is about doing it safely, esential travel becomes redundant when all shops are open next week. Mixed messages cause confusion but then that is the mess that is the Tories at play.

Mandy got a response from Cheshire West and Chester Council re the renewal of her blue disabled parking badge, we can send all required documents but many seem very intrusive and way over the top for a council issued badge, after enduring the PIP process Mandy is shocked that they are jumping on the bandwagon and want to know about problems with bathroom needs etc because it is on the same statement as mobility impairment, what right have thy to this. Mandy has already been given life awards and now had to prove that God had not cured her disability over the last year, it really stinks and goes on the list of anti disabled measures government and councils are pushing through under cover of Corona.

Photos from Oldham first