Environmental services cuts

Last month, this Labour administration took the astounding decision to cut 30 plus staff from the Environmental Team. 

This is a Council with an abysmal record on environmental crime. 

An administration that has been blasted in recent years for failing to tackle litter, dog-fouling and fly-tipping. 

And despite flashy PR campaigns like ‘Don’t Trash Oldham’ … the reality is that Labour just don’t have a grip on the basics. 

The impact statement that accompanied Labour’s budget cuts said that these job losses would not significantly impact frontline services. 

Are we really expected to believe that?

The loss of more than 30 staff posts is not going to have any impact on service delivery according to Labour.

I can recall what our parks used to be like – no go areas and unloved – before initiatives like Tulip Fund Days and Heritage Lottery grants and the award of Green Flags in all our parks.  All of which allowed them to become the well-used and loved spaces they are today.

So my question is… does the Leader stand by those staffing cuts and does she still insist that the people of Oldham will not suffer any decline in services because of them?

If so… this administration has either lost the plot… or they are being economical with the truth?

Which, is it?

Public Space Protection Orders

As if it wasn’t enough that this is administration is cutting back on staff for our vital green spaces… members of the public will be outraged to learn that this Labour administration has allowed Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) for our green and open spaces to lapse. 

This leaves this Council without the powers to protect some of our Borough’s special places such as our moors. 

Just one example – the PSPO on Crompton Moor ran out in November – along with all the protections that gives, against hunting, protecting nesting birds, against BBQs and fires, dog fouling, and camping to name just a few!

That is not the only example, and at best the PSPO might be back in place in April but could be June depending on any objections.

This failure to renew the orders in time leaves us powerless and exposed in some of our most precious and valued spaces.

So, my question is who in the Labour administration will be held to account for this failure and are there other similar orders that have not been renewed leaving the Council and residents even more exposed.