Council response ‘Poo’ says Sykes

The Leader of the Opposition and of the Liberal Democrat Group on Oldham Council, Councillor Howard Sykes MBE, has described as ‘poo’ the disappointing response eventually received from Oldham Council to his suggestion that the successful PooWatch scheme be introduced to Oldham Borough.

Councillor Sykes wrote to senior Council officers in January 2016 about the PooWatch scheme just then introduced in Worcester.  He explained: “PooWatch is a free web app for smartphones, tablets and personal computers.  Through the Poowatch app, residents can record any dog litter they spot in the city.  The information they provide helps identify dog litter hotspots so action can be targeted in areas of greatest need.”

After ten months, a report was finally brought to the Council’s Overview and Scrutiny Board in November 2016.  Promisingly, the Board was informed that:

“Here in Oldham the use of a GIS system and a GPS locating mechanism for a device as a reporting facility is currently being explored.  When this has been finalised it is proposed to examine the potential to link in a reporting mechanism for dog fouling that could mirror the Worcester example.”

“Once timescales and resources are highlighted officers will be able to make more meaningful contact with equivalents in Worcester to expand our knowledge as to how they have supported the technology with resources and if there are any lessons learnt that will allow Oldham to improve its reporting mechanisms for residents.”

Councillor Sykes was therefore disappointed to hear early this month that moves towards the introduction of a PooWatch scheme in Oldham have been stifled.

After asking for a progress report Councillor Sykes received an email from Ray Ward, Executive Director, Corporate and Commercial, he was informed that the Council is championing an Environmental Health project “developing online reporting for a number of transactions including fly tipping and noise nuisance.  This is due to go online in the next three to six months.   This does not currently include dog poo as other high volume transactions have been prioritised by the service.”

Councillor Sykes described the decision not to tackle dog fouling as a priority as “Poo”.

He added: “Local Councillors get more complaints from the public about dog fouling than most other issues.  PooWatch empowers the public to take action by using a smart phone to report real incidents of dog fouling in real time to enable prompt action to be taken against irresponsible dog owners and to contribute to both a more co-operative and a cleaner Borough.  It has proven to be a value for money, effective solution in Worcester so why can’t we have it here?”

Carers Week 12–18 June 2017

Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges that carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities.

Programme of events follow the link: Carers week 2017 timetable

Throughout the week there will be free events focussing on improving health and wellbeing including laughter therapy, mindfulness, pamper and reiki and physical activity events.

For more information contact the Link Centre on
T: 0161 770 4786
E: link.centre@oldham.gov.uk

Local book of Condolence in Crompton Library

Following approaches from a number of residents I am pleased to report that a new Book of Condolence will be opened at Crompton Library, Farrow Street East in Shaw this afternoon (Friday) and will be available to the public during normal library opening times (including from 9.30am to 1pm on Saturday), for Alison Howe (44) and Lisa Lees (43) the two Royton mums who were killed in the Manchester bombing.

We are also taking part in a Greater Manchester-wide Book of Condolence where comments can be summited online at: http://www.smartsurvey.co.uk/s/TKKJ2/

Volunteer ranger event Crompton Moor, 10.30am Sunday 28 May 2017

You will no doubt all be aware of the fire(s) on the moor recently which have been quite intensive, and has had a major impact on the moor; with this in mind I am meeting the Countryside Service on Thursday to review and prioritise what needs to be carried out in terms of maintenance and repair – so there will be plenty to do !

Given the time of the year and current weather forecast (warm/hot), please ensure you have the appropriate clothing, footwear and a packed lunch if you are up for the day but would again suggest a hot flask of your favourite drink for the 10.30 morning start and plenty of cold drink for the afternoon. I would however ask you to note that any time you can commit to is always gratefully appreciated.

Meantime, if you have any issues that you may wish to discuss prior to Sunday, please do not hesitate to mail or phone me on 07961107860.

Look forward to seeing you in the Crompton Moor Car Park ~ 10.30 on Sunday.

May I also ask that you let me know of your intentions so that I can plan the appropriate work load and material for the day. Thank you.

Kindest Regards

Edward John Fulton

Countryside Volunteer Ranger

(M) 07961 107860 [Calls may be recorded]

(F)  01706 661813

(E)  edward@edwardjohnfulton.uk

Northern hat-trick of off-peak fare increases a scandal

Councillor Howard Sykes MBE, Liberal Democrat spokesperson on the Board of Transport for Greater Manchester, has condemned as “scandalous” Northern Rail’s imposition of a third increase in many rail fares in nine months.

From Sunday 21 May, Northern Rail has increased some fares by nearly ten per cent; adding 50p to the majority off-peak single and return tickets within Greater Manchester.

Cllr Sykes said: “This is the third rail fare hike in nine months, with previous increases in September 2016 and January this year.  Northern has targeted the off-peak fares which are not regulated by the Government.”

“At a time when we should be encouraging drivers to get out of their cars and take the train to reduce road congestion and air pollution, and when we should be encouraging train passengers to make more use of the quieter off-peak services, Northern has decided to make things harder for them by once more hiking the price.”

“This is crazy and shows that Northern is more focused on making more profits for its parent company, German state rail operator Arriva, than it is on helping the cash-strapped rail passenger.”

Bins update Shaw and Crompton Fri 19 May

Following a vehicle breakdown this afternoon I have been informed there are two very small pockets of work outstanding as follows: paper/card collections on Rochdale Road, near to Crompton House School and Alfred Street, Shaw area.

Given this is a small amount of work we will return first thing Monday – leave bins out or re-present before 07:15 on Monday.