Shaw Youth Centre closure – 6-8 weeks from 25th March

Shaw Youth Centre will be CLOSED from Monday 25th March 2013 for approximately 6 -8 weeks.

This is to allow for essential building work to be completed.

There will be no access to the centre.

The youth club will continue at the usual times at the following venues:

Monday: George St playing fields building at 6.30-9.00pm
Tuesday: Dunwood Park community room at 6:30-9.00pm
Wednesday: Junior Youth Club-Compton Library at 3.30-5:00pm
Thursday: Higher Crompton Park Bowling Green hut at 6:30-9.00pm

Any queries, concerns or further information please contact Jeanette or Lynda on 0161 770 8648/8649

E-mail: lynda.winrow@oldham.gov.uk or Jeanette.booth@oldham.gov.uk

Shaw and Crompton St Georges Day Celebration Sunday 14 April

Shaw Memorial Gardens, West Way.

We have managed to secure the Market which will include food stalls, the car boot sale, Rochdale Hedgehog Rescue, Circus acts.

The Lifelong Learning Centre will be used for indoor activities and workshops including an English afternoon tea, face painting, aromatherapy sessions, circus skills workshop and more to be confirmed.

The Market will run between 10.00 – 13.30.

Further info to follow when confirmed.

88% increase in apprenticeships

2,710 people were on an apprenticeship last year in the Borough of Oldham thanks to the Liberal Democrats, final figures reveal. That is a huge increase of 88% compared to the last year of Labour’s government.

These figures are a big boost for apprenticeships and young people in Oldham which comes at the end of National Apprenticeship Week (11th – 15th March), which aimed to raise awareness and celebrate the successes of the apprenticeship scheme.

Commenting, Leader of the Opposition and Leader of the Liberal Democrat Group, Councillor Howard Sykes said:

“Apprenticeships are a brilliant way for young people to learn the skills and get the experience necessary for a successful career.”

“Liberal Democrats in the Coalition Government have promoted and invested heavily in apprenticeships because they are one of the most effective ways of helping young people get jobs. Apprenticeships also allow us to build a stronger economy, with a highly-skilled and flexible workforce.”

“Apprenticeships rely on employers making opportunities available. That’s why I urge local employers to offer opportunities to our young people to become apprentices. For my part, I have just this week taken on a part share of an apprentice.

Shaw and Crompton Memorial Gardens

Please accept our apologises for any inconvenience caused by the recent and future works associated with Shaw Memorial Gardens.

For your Information the works comprises of the Following:

• Resurfacing of paths to Shaw Memorial Gardens.
• Erecting Stone Plinth
• Refurbishment of Bronze Statue
• Erection of new information board

The park will be closed for access from Monday 18th February for the refurbishment.
The works are expected to be completed week commencing 18th March 2013.

On completion of the paths/ erection of the statue, works are programmed for bedding plants and refurbishment to the seating areas; however the park will operational as usual.

We may need to close the park gates for short periods of time outside of the period above where the ongoing work requires it.

For any queries, please contact
David Holme 0161 770 4353 david.holme@unitypartnership.com or Ian Monaghan 0161 770 5262 Ian.Monaghan@oldham.gov.uk

UNEARTH JUBILEE

Sunday 27th January (12-3pm)
Jubilee Nature Site, Milnrow Road, Shaw, Oldham

Come to Jubilee Colliery to discover the history of the site and the findings from an exciting heritage project. Take part in a free raffle for your chance to win a plane ride to see Oldham’s coal fields from the air.

This event is for all members of the community with activities for kids and adults.

Come and see our archaeological dig and learn about our local mining heritage.

For more details please contact Lili Briggs, Heritage Project Officer:
T: 0161 624 1444 / 0773 997 8792
E: lili.briggs@groundwork.org.uk

SHAW & CROMPTON PARISH COUNCIL – ANNUAL REPORT

SHAW & CROMPTON PARISH COUNCIL
Council Offices, 23 High Street, Shaw, Oldham OL2 8RF
Tel: 01706 847590 e-mail: clerk.shawcrompc@btconnect.com

ANNUAL REPORT
The Parish Council met ten times during the civic year 2011-12 (monthly except August and April). In addition to its routine business, the Council:
• Opposed the closure of Beal Hey Recycling Centre
• Opposed the closure of Crompton Pool
• Requested that a bus stop be moved in Market Street, Shaw
• Received presentations on: Old Osram site, Refuge Street, Shaw; Laurel Bank Day Centre; a housing insulation scheme;

Much of the work of the Council is carried out by its Committees and Sub-Committees. The Planning and Finance & General Purposes Committees normally meet every month and the six sub-committees each meet between four and ten times during the year. All meetings are open to the public.

Planning
Oldham Metropolitan Borough Council (OMBC) has a duty to consult the Parish Council on planning applications within Shaw and Crompton. Residents are able to make representation to the Parish Council; public participation is encouraged as views from people living and working in the area are important to the decision making process. The Parish Council Planning Committee makes a recommendation to OMBC who make the final decision.

The Parish Council Planning Committee considered 106 applications during the year of which 19 were recommended for refusal.

Community Events
The Communications & Promotions Sub-Committee is responsible for organising activities and events, many of which have become regular features of the town’s life. These include the Family Weekend and Vehicle Rally, held in summer each year, and which was its usual success in 2011. This year the Family Weekend will be held on Saturday & Sunday 23 & 24 June 2012, and planning is already well advanced.

Other events arranged by the Sub-Committee were: Parish Council Chairman’s Civic Service; Civic Reception; Crompton Circuit walk; Lancashire Day proclamation; Christmas Charity Market; Schools’ Christmas Music Festival; Spring Charity Market. Hanging baskets were placed along High Street, Market Street, and parts of Milnrow Road and Crompton Way; a decorated Christmas Tree was placed at Wren’s Nest, where the lights were switched on at the end of November.

An archaeological survey of Crompton Moor was completed during Summer 2011. A 20 page newsletter – “The Parish Matters” – was distributed to every house in the Parish.

Environment
A major aspect of the Council’s work is in the field of environmental improvement. The Council thanks all those who give their time, expertise and effort to assist the Parish through working with the Environment Sub-Committee. One of the many areas that has been concentrated on is invasive species that are threatening the ecology of the local environment, buildings and infrastructure.

There has been considerable effort put into the maintenance of public footpaths and bridleways and the refurbishment/replacement of stiles, or their substitution by Kissing Gates, while attempting to establish new, or to re-establish old, public footpaths. The maintenance and clearance of public areas for the benefit of the community has been another main focus.

Grants
During the year the Council was able to make 10 grants, with a total value of £2,144. The grant scheme will continue during 2012/2013.

Premises
There has been a steady increase of third parties using the building, eg Friends of Dunwood Park. New premises for use as Council Offices were identified and a recommendation for purchase of the leasehold was approved by the Council.

Approval to borrow sufficient funds for the purchase was obtained from DCLG. Negotiations have taken place regarding the terms of the lease. It was agreed to update the software used on the Council Office’s PC.

Staffing & Pay
The Sub-Committee met on two occasions (October 2011 and January 2012). The main work of the sub-committee is to oversee the Clerk’s appraisal and other associated matters such as pay award, annual increments, pension provision, and the Sickness Contingency Fund.

Law and Order
The Council continues to have great concern for law and order issues, in particular the policing of the area and the town centre, and takes all opportunities to bring these matters to the attention of the responsible bodies.

The Council is represented on the Royton, Shaw and Crompton Area Action Team.

Citizens Advice Bureau
The Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) is an established part of the township. Previously based at the Council Offices, the Shaw Outreach deals with a wide range of queries from many Shaw and Crompton residents.

The Parish Council is happy to continue to fund this valuable service, which means that residents can receive advice locally. The service has been re-located to Crompton Library and is available every Thursday (9.30am-12.30pm & 1.30-4.00pm); no appointment is necessary.

Conclusion
During the year, residents have made enquiries at the Council Offices about a variety of issues. Depending on their nature, these have been taken up with Oldham MBC, or referred to Parish or Metropolitan Borough councillors. Matters taken up on behalf of residents have included things such as planning issues, housing issues or roads.

The Council seeks to continue the development of a pattern of civic life to benefit the whole community, by fostering different types of activities. It does not have the resources to organise and run all the varied events and projects which make Shaw and Crompton into a thriving community. Its policy is to assist other organisations within the Parish as much as it can.

For instance, many local charities are able to raise money through having stalls at Charity Markets; a wide range of organisations benefit from the grants that the Council is able to make to them; a number of groups use the Council Offices for meetings in the evenings. Other groups requiring help are encouraged to ask and, where possible, the Council will try to assist.

Dr Ray Hughes
Clerk to the Council

OLDHAM ROAD SAFETY SCHEME

Shaw and Crompton’s Liberal Democrat Councillors highlighted an issue to the Highways Department and we are pleased to report that funding has been secured to address serious road safety issues that have been identified along Oldham Road.

The frequency and severity of road traffic accidents, coupled with the average speed of vehicles, was a serious cause of concern for us and as such, measures will now be taken to address these issues.

Over the last couple of months you will have noticed the vehicle detector cables across the road. The reason for this is that a new speed survey was required. It looks very likely that this section of Oldham Road could qualify for the introduction of safety cameras. The data has now been collected and the report has been sent to the Safety Camera Partnership for approval.

Obviously, if we have any further information about when the speed cameras will be installed or any other issues relating to the road safety scheme, we will let you know.

SALTS STREET ROAD MARKINGS

Shaw and Crompton’s Liberal Democrat Councillors recently highlighted an issue to the Highways Department about the road markings in this area.

The area was a major concern, not only for local residents, but for your local Councillors, because of the close proximity to the two primary schools and sheltered/warden-controlled accommodation.

For us it was essential that the works were completed, so as to minimise traffic chaos before pupils started back at Beal Vale and East Crompton St James’ schools. The road markings had deteriorated to such an extent that it became a significant safety problem, not only for drivers, but pedestrians as well.

We are pleased to report, as you have no doubt noticed, that this has resulted in some road markings being painted on Salts Street and some of the surrounding streets; the two mini-roundabouts have also been repainted.

Labour Council slammed for failing to open new £33M school on time

Date: 1st September 2012

MEDIA RELEASE

Labour Council slammed for failing to open new £33M school on time

Councillor Howard Sykes, Liberal Democrat Group Leader and Leader of the Opposition on Oldham council, has slammed Oldham’s Labour Council for only just informing parents and pupils that the brand new Newman RC College on Broadway will not be ready to receive pupils next week as planned.

“Parents will recall that the Building Schools for the Future programme was a shambles when the Lib Dems took over control of the Council in 2008,” stated Cllr Sykes.

“The so called plans for a single Catholic Secondary School were not worth the paper they were written on with no site to build on and even sketcher plans on what would be built. There are now trams running though the so called site Labour wanted to build this new school on and there was always going to be – that shows how well developed Labour’s plans were that we inherited back in 2008.”

“We as a new Lib Dem Administration met with the Bishop and agreed a way forward and rescued this matter and got in back on track. Now this programme is back in Labour’s hands they have failed to ensure the school opens on time, they should hang their heads in shame and this does not boad well for the other major school projects that are also currently under construction,” he added.

“Whatever the reason for the delay by the contractors, Balfour Beatty you would have thought that Oldham’s Labour Council would have made sure that this £33 million building would be completed in time for the start of the new school year,” stated Cllr Sykes.

“The rumour mill for weeks has been speculating it would not be open on time and they have left it to the last minute to inform pupils and parents when they could have come clean on this weeks ago! Parents have busy lives and this last minute approach leaves them no time to sort alternatives.”

“This will affect parents and carers who will have to look to changing their working patterns or childcare arrangements because the young people will be off school for a further week. I shall be seeking assurances that all the other schools that are part of the Building Schools for Future/Academy project open on time and stick to budget,” said Cllr Howard Sykes.

Ends/

Copy of letter sent to parents is below:

29th August 2012
People Communities & Society
Executive Director Commissioning including (Director of Children’s Services) Level 10, Civic Centre, West Street , Oldham Telephone Number 0161 770 4200. E Mail: michael.jameson@oldham.gov.uk

Dear Parent
On behalf of Oldham Council and Newman College, I regret to have to inform you of a delay in the completion of the new school building on Broadway.
Originally the new school was to open to students in Year 7 and Year 11 from Friday, September 7 and then to every pupil from September 10.

I must now inform you that the new College will be able to welcome children in Years 7 and 11 on Monday, September 17 at 8.55am – and then all pupils from Tuesday, September 18 at 8.55am.

This delay is because – despite continued monitoring and intervention – the building contractor, Balfour Beatty Construction, has not been able to meet the agreed completion date to enable Oldham Council to hand the buildings over to the College.

We all realise how frustrating this news will be and unreservedly apologise for the delay and inconvenience, which is beyond our control.

The College has been liaising around the clock with Oldham Council officers who are assisting to ensure that Balfour Beatty complete all the outstanding works.

We’re working closely together to look at any possible assistance we could put in place during this extra period of enforced closure – such as the provision of leisure opportunities, for example.

Obviously it is essential that these works are completed before we can allow public access – the safety of pupils, parents and staff remains our top priority.
We must have full confidence that these fantastic new buildings are completely safe for pupils and staff and that all facilities are fully operational from ‘Day One’.

The transformation from what has been a building site to the state-of-the-art building which Newman College is, requires significant cleaning. It also requires us all to work with Balfour Beatty to complete the necessary equipment testing, training of staff and familiarisation with the building.
In the longer-term, of course, we are hugely excited at the fantastic new learning opportunities and facilities which this £33 million College will offer your children.

For now, please again note those new opening dates:

* Children in Years 7 and 11 on Monday, September 17 at 8.55am;
* All pupils from Tuesday, September 18 at 8.55am.

Please also keep checking the College and Oldham Council’s websites and other Social Media – such as the College’s Twitter account – for updated information. You can also call Julie Walton on 0161 770 8732 or 0161 770 1249 if you have any further queries.

Thank you in advance for your patience and understanding in this matter.
Yours sincerely,

Michael Jameson Mike McGhee
Executive Director Commissioning including Director of Children’s Services
Headteacher The Blessed John Henry Newman RC College

FREE Sunday sessions in Shaw and Crompton

SC Article_June12

The Introduction to Bushcraft event at Jubilee kicks off a series of ten free events in Shaw and Crompton that aim to connect people to their environment and encourage all ages to use their local green spaces.

Following discussions with Shaw & Crompton Parish Council’s Environment Group, Groundwork helped the group to apply for Big Lottery Awards for All funding to deliver a series of monthly events.

The aim of these events is to encourage more people to use local green spaces, to increase the number of volunteers to help improve these sites and to deter fly-tipping.