Ash die back disease has been detected in Crompton Cemetery which has led to the felling of twenty mature trees in the cemetery as a matter of urgency. Cllr Hazel Gloster, Liberal Democrat Councillor for the Shaw Ward said ‘ it is regrettable that these mature trees have had to be felled however the Ash tree is a very important tree in the ecological system and we need to ensure that action now prevents further damage in the cemetery as the disease spreads between July and October during leafage’ .

Crompton Liberal Democrat Councillor Dave Murphy added ‘We will be working with Oldham Council’s Environmental Services Department to look at how we can replace these trees, preferably doubling the numbers felled, as replacements. It would be nice if each tree replaced was sponsored by a family in memory of a loved one and I will be speaking with council officers to see how this can be achieved’