Tree Warden Scheme welcomed by Lib Dems

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Liberal Democrats proposed in March 2016 that Oldham Council establish a tree warden scheme for the Borough.

“Our borough has a rich variety of trees located on our streets, in our parks and in our private gardens.  All of these trees have a positive effect on the health and well-being of the people who live, work and visit our borough, said local Liberal Democrat Shaw Councillor Howard Sykes.  “I am sure that many residents would wish to do all that they can to preserve the beauty and majesty of the trees in their neighbourhood. 

I am pleased to report the Council is now progress this matter – see below.”

Tree Wardens are volunteers from the community who have an interest in trees and want to get involved in all aspects of tree management. The tree warden groups work closely with The Council’s Arboricultural team and other local groups and bodies who are key to the success of their various schemes.

Here is a list of the types of things a Tree Warden may get involved with;
•    Woodland management
•    Planting and maintenance of new trees
•    Champion their local trees and woods
•    Seed collection and growing trees
•    Tree surveys and data collection
•    Involve their neighbours in tree projects
•    Spearhead Council tree related initiatives
•    Organise field trips
•    Involve schools and children and educate.
•    Change attitudes and behaviours regarding trees
•    Organise events
•    Seek third party funding and run fundraising events
•    Provide extra eyes and ears in their neighbourhoods

Volunteers will receive informal training sessions and guidance from Oldham Council’s tree professionals, and regular meetings will be organised between tree wardens and Oldham Councils arboricultural team. Returnable Clothing and equipment will be provided.

Anyone interested in getting involved can contact Environmental Services on 0161 770 4067 or by e-mail at environmentalservices@oldham.gov.uk or in writing to Tree Wardens, Alexandra Park, Kings Road, Oldham, OL8 2BH.

Oldham’s i Tree Eco Survey Assessing Oldham’s Urban Forest Effects and Values

clipart-tree-MKTjKnaiqOldham Council has teamed up with Treeconomics, i tree, and FCHO to undertake the biggest single tree survey in Oldham’s history. The aim of the survey is to establish the distribution, age, health, species mix, structural and ecosystem value of Oldham’s urban tree stock.

Volunteers will work as part of a team supervised by Oldham’s tree professionals and will be responsible for surveying 200 randomly selected plots across the borough. Volunteers do not need any background in trees, and will be given full training and teamed up with one of Oldham Councils qualified arboriculturalists for the survey work.

The findings of this survey will be written up into a full report which will help formulate the future management strategies for Oldham’s urban tree stock.

Volunteers must be able to attend the initial full day’s training to be held on 21 June 2016, and must be able to commit to a minimum of 5 full days equivalent surveying (this is flexible and can be organised to suit volunteer groups over the summer period).

Anyone interested in getting involved can contact Environmental Services 0161 770 4067 or by e-mail at environmentalservices@oldham.gov.uk or in writing to Tree Surveys, Alexandra Park, Kings Road, Oldham, OL8 2BH.

Waste and recycling collections – early warning of delays

3bins-200x150The Council have informed me that they have been experiencing a number of vehicle issues due to the hot weather.  They have identified the primary (but not exclusive) fault as overheating sensors that control the bin lift mechanism and have re-assured me they are working through replacing them as well as bringing in additional resources.

However, this has caused delays in completion of both refuse and recycling rounds at the start of the week and will have a knock on effect throughout this week at least.

I have been re-assured that if your bins are not emptied on Friday you are advised to leave all uncollected bins out and they say they will collect as soon as possible.

If I get any further updates I will share the information.

Missed bins – Shaw and Crompton Friday 3 June

CV93rpsUsAAPyER

I have been informed of a number of uncompleted waste collections from the Shaw & Crompton area today.  These include:

  • Food & Garden – Salt Street area (1 hour)
  • Food & Garden – Harewood Road area (30 mins)
  • Food & Garden – Moor Street, Princess Road area (1.5 hours)
  • Paper & Cardboard – Wood Street (1 hour)
  • Paper & Cardboard – Cliff Hill Road, Shore Ave area (30 mins)

This is a due to the high volume of recycling product put out and vehicle breakdowns faced this week/today.  There will be crews out from 7:30am tomorrow morning in these areas to clear the back log.

Shaw and Crompton Parish Council Chairman’s Civic Service and Procession – Sunday 5 June 2016

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The Chairman of the Parish Council, Councillor Angie Farrell and her consort, Wayne Cheeseman, cordially invite you to join them for the Chairman’s Civic Service on Sunday, 5 June 2016 at The Salvation Army Citadel, Farrow Street, Shaw, OL2 8QY to commence at 10.00am.

It is planned to meet at 1 Kershaw Street East, Shaw, OL2 8AB at 9.00am before processing to the Citadel at 9.30am.  If you are unable to take part in the procession please make your way directly to the Citadel.

After the service light refreshments will be served at the Citadel.

Missed bins, Shaw and Crompton 20 May

CV93rpsUsAAPyER

I am informed that due to vehicle issues on Friday there are about 2.5 hours of paper and cardboard outstanding in the Shaw and Crompton area.  This area includes:

  • 1.5 hours on Marlfield Road, Wood Street, Thornham Road area
  • 1 hour on Edward Street, Netherhouse Road, Victoria Street area

Please note that there will be a vehicle out from 7:30 am on Saturday morning to complete this work.

Oldham Council Liberal Democrat Opposition Leadership Team for 2016/17 announced

Team-1000x500Councillor Howard Sykes MBE, Leader of the Liberal Democrat Opposition, on Oldham Council today announced his Leadership team for 2016/17.

Councillor Sykes said: “Following on from the unopposed appointment of myself as Leader and John McCann as Deputy Leader at our first Group meeting following the election, I am proud to now announce details of my full team for 2016/17.”

“The next twelve months will be challenging for Oldham as we face continued financial cuts from central government whilst adjusting to play our part in the Combined Authority that will manage devolved powers and a devolved budget for Greater Manchester.”

“I am confident that the Liberal Democrat Opposition team can collectively offer many new positive suggestions to the Administration to support the continued delivery of our core services, to reduce waste and bureaucracy, to give a voice to those marginalised in our communities and speak up for our districts, and to ensure that Oldham Borough’s needs are recognised within a devolved Greater Manchester”.…

Details of positions are below.

The Lib Dem Group:Leader – Cllr Howard Sykes; Deputy Leader – Cllr John McCann; Group Chair – Cllr Chris Gloster; Group Vice-Chair – Cllr Rod Blyth; Political Secretary – Cllr Garth Harkness; Treasurer – Cllr Derek Heffernan; Group Secretary – Cllr Diane Williamson.

Shadow Cabinet (Shadow Executive Members): 

Economy and Skills Cluster
Howard Sykes Economy and Enterprise (Opposition Leader)
 
Julia Turner Education and Early Years
 
Garth Harkness Employment and Skills
   
Health and Wellbeing Cluster
Rod Blyth Social Care and Safeguarding
Chris Gloster Health and Wellbeing
Neighbourhoods and Cooperatives Cluster
Diane Williamson Neighbourhoods and Cooperatives
Dave Murphy Environmental Services
   
Corporate Support
John McCann Finance and HR
   

 GM Fire and Rescue Authority: Cllr Derek Heffernan

Transport for Greater Manchester: Cllr Howard Sykes

 Audit Committee: Spokesperson – Cllr Garth Harkness

 Overview and Scrutiny Board: Spokesperson – Cllr Diane Williamson

Performance and Value for Money Committee: Spokesperson – Cllr Rod Blyth  

Planning Committee:Spokesperson – Cllr Rod Blyth

Licensing Committee:Spokesperson – Cllr Chris Gloster

Standards Committee:Spokesperson – Cllr Diane Williamson

Health and Well-being Board:Spokesperson – Cllr Rod Blyth

Petitions and Traffic Regulation orders:Spokesperson – Cllr Chris Gloster

District Executive: Shaw and Crompton – Chair Cllr Diane Williamson

Missed bins , Shaw and Crompton 13 May

CV93rpsUsAAPyER

I have been informed we have the following collections outstanding from the Crompton/Shaw area:

  • Comingled – 1 hour Kendall Drive area
  • Comingled – 1 hour Jordan Ave area
  • Comingled – 1 hour Salt St area
  • Food & Garden – 3 hours around High Street, Beal Lane, Milnrow Road area
  • Food & Garden – 1 hour around Netherhouse Road area

There are two crews out on Saturday from 8am so will hopefully it will be be cleared for lunch time.