Local Shaw and Crompton Lib Dem Councillors Howard Sykes MBE and Diane Williamson recently handed in a 350 plus name petition about Oldham Council’s plans for Shaw Market.
At first Labour wanted to move the Market onto the South side of Market Street that joins High Street. Now they want to move it to the North side of Market Street adjoining Rochdale Road.
“The latest news is that the Labour Council will press ahead with its plans, with the Market moving permanently,” stated Councillor Howard Sykes. “We expect them to formally confirm this at the Licensing Panel on 2 November.”
Local councillors are campaigning to leave the Market where it is. They want to see Shaw Market stay on its present site with investment to bring farmers markets and Christmas markets to the area as well. Leaving the Market where it is also makes additional market days possible including the various charity events as well as more specialised markets.
“We want to see the cash Labour has allocated for the move spent instead on revitalising Shaw Market on its existing site by replacing the fixed market stalls with pop-up stalls on Market Day (Thursday) and removing the perimeter units,” stated Cllr Williamson.
“This solution will not only remove the shelter that attracts youths intent on anti-social behaviour but also provide more free car-parking on non-Market Days, therefore contributing to the general vitality of Shaw’s District Centre,” said Councillor Sykes.
“We are not surprized the new venue appears to be popular. The Council has thrown the kitchen sink at this with free events, promotions, advertising, questionnaires and staff. It just shows what can be done. If the same amount of effort was made to promote the existing site I am sure that would have been successful. Remember the ‘staying put’ option was refused to be included in the consultation. You have to ask why?” he added.
“We shall see what happens in the longer term when all this existing ‘excitement’ has evaporated,” stated Councillor Williamson. “Also the Council needs to come clean on its plans for the ‘old market site’ if it presses ahead with its plans.”
“In addition our proposal also prevents potential traffic problems that can happen when Market Street is closed forcing all vehicles, including HGVs and buses, to use Eastway,” added Councillor Williamson.
Councillors Sykes and Williamson handing in their petition