RESIDENTS ARE THE PRIORITY  

Oldham Council and a range of partner organisations across all sectors have been working to assist residents affected by today’s major explosion in Shaw.
 
A Rest Centre set-up at Crompton House school in the wake of the blast has been providing help for people unable to access their homes.
 
So far it has assisted around 80 people from 40 families.
 
All people requiring temporary accommodation are being housed tonight in partnership with First Choice Homes Oldham (FCHO). Some are also staying with friends or family, or at Bed and Breakfast accommodation.  
 
Councillor Howard Sykes said: “The response from the local community and partner groups to this tragic event has been heart-warming.”
 
“We’re continuing to work closely with the emergency services who showed typical professionalism in responding so rapidly to this incident.

”The emergency planning that we have in place with blue light services appears to have worked well but the contribution from local residents, businesses and partner groups has been immense.
 
“Anyone visiting the Rest Centre has been able to access emergency housing help from First Choice Homes Oldham and medical aid from the Red Cross.
 
“Family advisers and counsellors have also been on hand along with community liaison officers from the police.
 
“In the immediate aftermath of the blast the local Asda supermarket gave up their restaurant to people evacuating the area, offering food and shelter and other items throughout the day. Several other local stores including Tesco and Primark also came forward with offers to assist in whatever way they could.  
 
“A local taxi firm, Borough Taxis, took residents to the Rest Centre and we also have had so many offers of help from local residents.
 
“Even Crompton House pupils and staff assisted in setting up the facility this morning and also helped to ensure children were kept safe and well.
 
“In the face of such adversity everyone has pulled together in a fantastic community effort. Today’s events have touched everybody in the community and their response has been truly inspirational.”

 

OLDHAM COUNCIL ASSISTING AT SHAW EXPLOSION SCENE

Oldham Council is continuing to assist emergency services at the scene of an explosion in Shaw this morning.
 
Greater Manchester Police have now confirmed that a young child died.
 
At least one person is also believed to be trapped.
 
One man was taken to hospital with 80 per cent burns while another person remains unaccounted for.
 
Councillor Howard Sykes said: “This is absolutely tragic news that has shocked the whole community.”
 
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this incident. You don’t have to have known any of the people involved to feel stunned and saddened by today’s events and they are all in our thoughts.
 
“Oldham Council is continuing to work alongside the emergency services to contribute in whatever way that we can.
 
“Our priority is to ensure a safe environment and assist those affected in whatever way we possibly can.
 
“A rest centre has been set up nearby at Crompton House school and we are working with partners to keep residents informed of developments.
 
”We will commit whatever resources are needed in order to assist the emergency services in their ongoing work and the clean-up operation when it begins.
 
“Obviously there will be people who have been affected by this and will not be able to go home tonight. We are advising them to consider staying with friends or family in the first instance, but if they need further assistance then they should call Oldham Council’s Contact Centre on 0161 770 7770.”
 

FREE Sunday sessions in Shaw and Crompton

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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.

Environmental action – come and join in!

Shaw & Crompton Parish Council have teamed up with Groundwork Oldham & Rochdale to host ten FREE events on green space sites across Shaw & Crompton.

The aim of these events is to connect local people to their environment and encourage people of all ages to use their local green spaces.

For more details or to book your place contact Suzanne Walton:
T: 0161 624 1444
M: 07899 792422
E: suzanne.walton@groundwork.org.uk
www.gwor.org.uk

INTRODUCTION TO BUSHCRAFT
Sunday 27th May 2012 (12.30-3.30pm)
Jubilee Nature Site, take the track to the left of Jubilee Inn

Harvest natural materials from Jubilee Nature Site and learn how to build your own outdoor shelter. Find out how to use a bushcraft knife safely and how to light a fire.

ORIENTEERING ON CROMPTON MOOR
Sunday 10th June 2012 (1-3pm)
Meet at Brushes Clough car park, off Buckstones Road

Come along to Crompton Moor for a fun introduction to orienteering. Learn basic orienteering skills and map orientation. All ages are welcome and activities can be done at your own pace.

JUBILEE ACTION DAY
Sunday 8th July 2012 (1-3pm)
Jubilee Nature Site, take the track to the left of Jubilee Inn

Help to conserve an important local heritage and environmental site. The day will involve light habitat management activities including the control of invasive plant species.

FOOTPATH WORKS
Sunday 12th August 2012 (10.30am -3.30pm)
Site to be confirmed – either Dunwood Park or Crompton Moor

Find out how the local footpaths are maintained and join a work party to repair a length of footpath.

BULB PLANTING
Sunday 9th September 2012 (1pm -3.pm)
Site to be confirmed – possibly High Crompton Park

Help to make the park more colourful in the spring by planting bulbs in the autumn.

FAMILY FUN IN THE WOODS
Sunday 14th October 2012 (11am -3pm)
Dunwood Park

Come and explore the woods and discover what lives in and under the trees. Take part in insect and scavenger hunts.

HOMES FOR MAMMALS, BIRDS AND INVERTEBRATES
Sunday 18th November 2012 (1-3pm)
Jubilee Nature Site, take the track to the left of Jubilee Inn

Find out more about our local wildlife and how to help them survive the winter. Make a variety of homes for the nature site and to take home to your gardens.

NATURAL CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS
Sunday 9th December 2012 (12.30-3.30pm)
Community Room at Dunwood Park

Join us to make Christmas decorations to take home using natural materials.

WOODLAND MANAGEMENT & HOT POTATOES
Sunday 13th January 2013 (10.30am -3.30pm)
Crompton Moor, meet at Brushes Clough car park, off Buckstones Road

Help to maintain our local woodlands to improve the biodiversity and enjoy a hot potato during your break.

WILDFLOWER PLANTING
Sunday 10th March 2013 (1pm-3pm)
Site to be confirmed – possibly George’s Playing Field Pond

Come and help us plant wildflowers around the pond to encourage wildlife to the area.

Jubilee and Milnrow Road Bridge coping stones

Update on the coping stones removed from Jubilee and Milnrow Road Bridge.

An equivalent of 30m in length has been taken and are being utilised at Dunwood Park.

The remainder, the District Environment Manager who covers Shaw and Crompton, will take delivery of and store them for use at a later date on a scheme(s) within Shaw or Crompton.