Liberal Democrat Councillor Howard Sykes MBE brings a promise made by the Mayor of Greater Manchester to the attention of Oldham Council. 

The GM Metro Mayor has pledged to work with local authorities and partners to unlock the potential in towns and urban centres.  Royton town centre in Oldham Borough was chosen to be part of this Town Centre Challenge.  Writing to council bosses, Councillor Sykes wants to make sure these promises are being fulfilled.  The Liberal Democrats believe that communities deserve no less, and proper attention must be given to local investment.

The Mayor wanted to focus on housing and sustainable communities.  The Challenge was launched at an event in Bury town centre on Friday 17 November 2018.

Councillor Sykes said:  “It’s been well over two years since the announcement.  I must ask what work the Mayor has conducted with Oldham Council to realise this vision.  Royton was chosen despite my requests for Shaw to be considered, however it appears little if anything has happened.”

“Not many people have heard about this challenge.  I’m sure the thousands of people who live in Royton, and across Oldham Borough would like to hear what’s practically been done.”

Copy Letter below:

2 April 2020

Deputy Chief Executive – People and Place, Oldham Council

Dear Helen Lockwood,

Re: Progress with the Royton Town Centre Challenge

The Mayor of Greater Manchester has pledged to work with local authorities and partners to break down barriers standing in the way of unlocking the potential in town and urban centres.

He wanted to focus on housing and sustainable communities.

I know that Royton town centre was chosen to be part of this Town Centre Challenge, but I am not sure what has happened so far as a result of this.

The Challenge was launched at an event in Bury town centre on Friday 17 November 2018.

As it has been well over two years now, I must ask what work the Mayor has conducted with Oldham Council to realise this vision.

What concrete outcomes or plans are now in place as a result of this initiative.

Yours sincerely,

Howard Sykes