Residents of Wales Street in Oldham decided their address had to change to show their patriotic support for England in the World Cup in Brazil. A man from Cwmbran who moved to the northern town 16 years helped decorate the street with 1,000 yard of bunting and St George’s flags.
Chris Cunningham moved from Llanyrafon to Oldham in 1998. A few weeks ago he and a load of his neighbours chipped in £150 to buy decorations and ‘rename’ their street.
“It has really brought us all together as neighbours. I bought the house because it was on Wales Street. It was like it was meant to be.
“It is the best thing I ever did though because the whole street is great. Everyone knows everyone and we all even drink together in the same pub.”
England Street will decorated ‘half and half’ if Wales qualify for the World Cup
“As for supporting England I wouldnt go as far as to say I will be supporting them in the World Cup. I’ve probably got more interest in the players in my Dream Team.
“If they did win it I would never hear the end of it on here. If Wales were there I would obviously be supporting them and the street decorations would be half and half with England and Wales.”
“We have an unwritten rule on this street that if Wales ever do make it that’s how its going to be and I will be holding them to it.
“It’s been manic since we all decorated the street. All the national papers have been, the Star, the Sun, the Mirror and the Guardian as well as all the regional papers.”
‘England Street’ still has a Welsh flag flying
“I was on Sky Sports News today. I fly my Welsh flag outside my house and it will be staying up. Nobody touches it but my wife is English so I have to compromise.”
