My two allowed Leader’s Questions for tonight’s Oldham council meeting 6 Nov 24
Q1 Leaders Question: IX Wireless
Thank you, Mr Mayor,
People across Oldham Borough have been left feeling ignored and angry with regards to the situation with IX masts – not least in Shaw, Crompton and Royton.
The communication with residents has been woeful by this company. None-existent in many cases. The first people know is if a notice pasted on a lamp post.
You can then respond to the sham consultation – I am not aware of one proposal being amended following constructive suggestions from residents, businesses or councillors.
When you don’t communicate, you make the disruption worse for people. And it leads to the resentment we’ve seen. This is all completely or nearly avoidable with proper communication.
So will the Leader please fully explain to the Council, what the current situation with IX Wireless’s highways licenses is?
On what basis was the permit revoked?
Will she commit to proactively informing councillors and members of the public – ahead of time – as to when the permit will be reinstated?
And will she write to the Technology Minister – Chris Bryant – to ask that companies are required to share broadband infrastructure where possible in order to minimise disruption for residents? Something the law says but I see no evidence of this happening anywhere in our Borough.
Q2 Leaders Question: Eton Star Oldham
Thank you, Mr Mayor,
Last question time I asked the Leader why she thought the Eton Star 6th Form Oldham project was necessary.
It’s not a surprise that I and many others fail to be convinced…
But it seems that the new Secretary of State for Education was even less impressed, because since we last met, Bridget Phillipson has paused plans for the opening of 44 new state schools – including those backed by Eton.
So, we can now add the Labour Secretary of State to the list of people who disagree with the Leader that Eton Star is the right thing for Oldham Borough. That list includes:
- The National Education Union.
- Teaching professionals, parents and pupils in Oldham who have never been consulted.
- And even the Council’s own officers, who told Children’s Scrutiny Committee in March that Eton Star would not help bridge the post-16 gap we have in Oldham Borough.
So, can I ask the Leader… what is her plan if her own Government decides she is wrong… and decides to mothball the Eton Star project?
Also, what is the current value of the Tommyfield Market site and is the true market value of the site going to be paid to the council or are we gifting it to Eton?
The Leader may not have that figure to hand – and if not I happy she writes to me with it, but she must know if we are being paid or gifting the land?