Oldham Council has recognised a local craftsmen whose work lights up one of the most famous rivers in the world. 

For the last 21 years a unique street lamp – complete with fish designs – has stood on High Street, outside the Spindles Town Square Shopping Centre.

 Thanks to its central location it has become a popular meeting point for people visiting the town centre.

 The lamp is the only one of its kind in the borough – identical ones light up the famous River Thames embankment in London.

 John (Jack) Costello, from Chadderton crafted the lamps at his Old Road Iron Foundry, in Oldham. It was one of a number of foundries across the country commissioned to make them.

 One of the lamps was never fitted and was left in Jack’s yard for several years. On his retirement in 1994 he decided to donate the lamp to the council and it was erected at a ceremony attended by the then Mayor of Oldham, Councillor Frank Heap.

 The original plaque which recognised Jack’s donation has since been removed. Now following talks with Jack’s family the council has erected a new brass plaque that reads: “Presented to Oldham Town Centre in 1994 by John Costello upon retirement from his Old Road Iron Foundry, Oldham.”

 Jack, who regularly visits the town centre, said: “The lamp was in the foundry yard when I retired and I thought that it would look well in the town centre.

 “Given that the foundry had produced various ironworks for Oldham Council in the past, it seemed appropriate to donate the lamp to the town which I grew up in and spent my working life.”

 Councillor Jim McMahon, Leader of Oldham Council, said: “Craftsmanship of this quality is rarely seen these days so it is only right that we properly mark Jack’s kind donation to the people of Oldham.”

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