Periscope Studios animation to promote Oldham’s re-opening

The film was inspired by Tommyfield Market trader Mark Crossley of Crossley’s Fish, who has a lifelong history of trading in the town.

“It’s been a really difficult year for local businesses – we’ve fought incredibly hard to survive but we feel like there’s now light at the end of the tunnel.

“We can’t wait to welcome back more customers and see the town centre busy with shoppers and visitors again,” he said.

The script was a collaboration between Oldham Council and Oldham-based script writer Cali Warham. The voice-over was provided by Matt Cummings who’s also from the town.

“Like all Oldham residents, we’re excited to see the return of the high street businesses that were required to close during lockdown restrictions. However, we must remember that there is still a need to be vigilant as restrictions ease and to follow the current guidance,” said Emma Barton, Director of Economy at Oldham Council.

“Businesses are working hard to ensure they are covid secure, so that you can be confident in their safety measures and reassured that it’s safe to shop throughout the borough. We as residents also have a responsibility to continue to stick to safety measures when visiting our high streets, to help keep them trading and lower the rate of infections.”

The animation was funded by The Reopening High Streets Safely Fund, set up by the European Regional Development Fund and the government.