pusspuss - I know I've got into this discussion pretty late in the day but I have to ask - when was the last time you went to Alex Park? I live in Oldham pretty near to Alex Park and I'm white and never had a problem. A few years ago, maybe 5, I agree that it was a "no go" area for whites, but that is certainly not true now. I go there almost every Sunday (to feed the ducks, etc.) and it's a lovely place. Since its redevelopment and the introduction of the park wardens it's not intimidating in the least. I love it. And you see many people of various races, etc. all having a nice time and getting along. I can only assume that you went there in the "bad old days".