How accessible is your town centre?
Councillor Diane Williamson highlights recent work done by the Liberal Democrats in Oldham Borough. This is to make sure our shopping districts more accessible through increased funding. This work comes from the Oldham Liberal Democrat motion proposed by Diane Williamson who has campaigned on this issue in her ward of Crompton for years. This would have been debated on the 18th March full council meeting. The Liberal Democrats want to empower local town communities by making them fully accessible and easy to use by all.
If successful, funding will be set aside for adaptations. These will focus on improving access points in the district centres across Oldham Borough.
Alongside money, a full survey of the area is being called for. This is to ensure adjustments are in line with what charities and community groups advise. The Liberal Democrats want the council to work alongside these organisations on this project.
Councillor Williamson comments: “Oldham Borough is full of hills and is affected by difficult weather. Just taking local geography into account we have to survey how our elderly and less physically able residents get about whilst doing their shopping.”
“We need more investment in every area of Oldham, starting with our much-loved town centres. Shame on our current leaders of the Council who aren’t doing enough to invest everywhere in Oldham Borough.”
Power to the people, quite literally…
Councillor Sam Al-Hamdani highlights recent work done by the Liberal Democrats in Oldham Borough. They want local authorities to play a major role in sustainable communities. This work comes from the Oldham Liberal Democrat motion that would be moved by Councillor Sam Al-Hamdani who has also called for more energy efficient housing initiatives. The motion was due to be brought to the 18th March full council meeting. Support for a people electricity bill has gained major backing in Parliament. The Liberal Democrats hope to extend the idea to local government.
Revenues received by councils from the sale of local renewable electricity can be used. This is money that can help fund measures to reduce local greenhouse gas emissions, and in turn help fund local services and facilities.
Councillor Al-Hamdani comments: “local Councils have a chance to play a central role in creating sustainable communities. particularly through the provision of locally generated, renewable electricity. It’s all well and good declaring a Climate Emergency, but this is a concrete idea dealing with the issue directly.”
“I do not deny there are huge running costs associated with generating electricity. However, local government has the administrative power and potential funding to enact renewable solutions to the climate crisis.”