The Conservative Government last night chose to vote down legislation establishing a register of serial and serious perpetrators of domestic abuse and stalking.

The register, which was backed by a motion to Oldham Council by Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader Chris Gloster, would have meant active support for women at threat of violence from serial abusers.

Local Liberal Democrat Councillor Sam Al-Hamdani said: “It is shameful that this amendment – and others aimed at protecting the safety of anyone who is the subject of domestic abuse – have been removed from the Bill. They received overwhelming support across the political spectrum when they were proposed in the House of Lords.

“The Domestic Abuse Bill will make a huge difference to many people’s lives, but there are opportunities to save people from violence that are being missed, and that is not good enough.”

The Bill also had amendments struck out which were designed to protect migrant women from the risk of violence.

Councillor Al-Hamdani added: “Whatever your views on immigration are, no-one can argue that women don’t deserve to be protected from violence and sexual abuse. This is the thick end of the wedge on the ‘hostile environment’ – it doesn’t stop at preventing those who abuse the system, it targets those who need help the most.

“This Conservative Government keeps saying that it is putting women’s safety first. It is not backing that up with action. It has been being said for over a hundred years, and it is sad that it still needs to be said: deeds not words.”

It has now been confirmed that a funeral service on Saturday will begin with a National Minute’s Silence at 3:00pm on Saturday 17 April.

Locally, there will be a service held at Oldham Parish Church on Friday 16 April where invited attendees will be paying their respects.

I am very proud to attend on behalf of the Liberal Democrat Group.

Flags on council buildings and flagpoles across the borough will remain at half mast until Sunday, 18 April.

An electronic Book of Condolence is now available for people wishing to express their condolences. Access the online book of condolence here:

• Prince Philip online book of condolence

Thoughts and condolences are with Her Majesty The Queen and the Royal Family during this sad time.

Despite the pledge made to Shaw Liberal Democrat Councillor and Chair of Crompton Moor Users Group, Howard Sykes MBE, Oldham Council has still failed to put the signs up on Crompton Moor by the end of March like they promised. 

The signs advertise the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) which is in place on Crompton Moor which allow local authorities to proscribe certain types of behaviour, imposing financial penalties upon those offenders who choose to ignore them.  On moorland, a PSPO would typically prohibit the lighting of fires, the use of Chinese lanterns and irresponsible cycling and motor-cycling other than on certain defined routes, and place certain restrictions on dog-walking, hunting and dog fouling  They are intended to keep the public safe and prevent harm to the natural environment.

There are around 200 PSPOs in place across Oldham to help protect our public spaces.

Councillor Sykes has been badgering Oldham Council to ensure that the Council’s website lists all the Public Space Protection Orders, the areas they cover and what they mean for the public.  Most importantly he wants to see the signs on Crompton Moor, which were promised by the end of March, installed.  The existing Public Space Protection Orders were reviewed as required by law in 2020.

Commenting, Councillor Sykes said: “We have now entered Spring and are about to leave Lockdown.  Regrettably Crompton Moor and our green spaces are from time-to-time invaded by a few selfish and mindless idiots who chose to despoil our green spaces and ruin the quiet enjoyment for the vast majority.  Last week a large part of Marsden Moor was incinerated, and the use of barbeques and fires always represent a grave threat to our moorland in the Spring and Summer.  PSPOs are one means we can fight back against this lawless minority, but we cannot prosecute them if we do not publicise them.”

Councillor Louie Hamblett has again given the Royton and Crompton Practice a Health Check.

In March Lib Dem councillor Louie Hamblett met with representatives from both Oldham Clinical Commissioning Group and Royton and Crompton Family Practice to further discuss the ongoing clerical issues surrounding both the practice’s telephone system and the way in which staff were dealing with feedback from patients.

This follows on from an meeting earlier in the year about similar issues and the fact from feedback for patients the situation appears to not have improved. See link below.

Shaw and Crompton Liberal Democrat Councillors Push GPs for Answers | Howard Sykes (mycouncillor.org.uk)

Councillor Hamblett notes that the practice is improving its telephone system along with ensuring better communication between their front house staff and medical staff to ensure patient care is consistent and seamless.

Whilst it does seem since the merger, they have taken on quite a task councillor Hamblett will ensure that he will periodically go back to them and check how their system is going on and bring any patients concerns.

Saddleworth North Liberal Democrat Councillor Garth Harkness has described as “crazy” the decision of the Peak District National Park to scrap the volunteer rangers at Dovestones Reservoir who are helping to keep Saddleworth Moor safe.

Commenting Councillor Harkness said:  “Once again this last week we have seen a wildfire near the Blackmoss Reservoir on Marsden Moor which has killed nesting birds and wildlife.  Saddleworth Moor has been devastated by fires in the past and these incidents are always tragic.  When they are especially tragic is when they are wantonly caused by idiots intent on arson or being irresponsible by using disposable barbeques.  Although I have supported calls to impose a higher penalty upon those using them, the best defence for the moor is eternal vigilance.  That is why is crazy to scrap the volunteer ranger scheme.”

“The volunteers are individuals who have a love for our natural environment and who want to preserve it,” added Councillor Harkness. “They are extra eyes and ears watching out for the moor and the people who visit it.  Some have volunteered for decades. They receive no reward for their dedication and commitment and are now sadly being kicked in the teeth.  I would ask the Peak District National Park to apply some common sense and keep them. They are worth every penny.”

Starts on the 12 April for 30 days.

Welcome back we have missed you. From Monday 12 April.

Non-essential shops open.

Pubs and restaurants open, but outside only.

One household can stay away overnight in the UK.

Hairdressers and nail salons open.

Our thoughts are with Her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Family at this sad time, and the council will be writing to Buckingham Palace offering condolences.

Due to Coronavirus restrictions and the importance of staying safe, condolence books will not be available at civic buildings for people to sign in person, but an online book of condolence is now open here.

As per protocols the Union Flag has been lowered to half-mast at all council buildings, and will remain so until next Sunday, 18 April.

Oldham Parish Church will also toll their bells at 12 noon tomorrow, one for every year of the Duke of Edinburgh’s life.

Restart Grants launched this week – a new grant scheme for businesses who were forced to close during the national lockdown to help them reopen safely as COVID 19 restrictions are lifted.

The grants are for businesses who:

• Are liable for Business Rates in Oldham and trading on 1 April 2021
• Are in the non-essential retail, hospitality, leisure, personal care, accommodation, and gym, and sports sectors
• Offer in-person services where the main service or activity takes place in a fixed Business Rate-paying premises.

Applications opened on Tuesday and the council have processed payments totalling £1,688,679 to 218 local businesses so far.  Funds should hit bank accounts on Tuesday next week.

This is a new scheme and businesses must apply – even if they have previously received a Coronavirus business grant.

More information is available at www.oldham.gov.uk/restartgrants 

Restart Grants discretionary scheme

A discretionary scheme, for businesses in the above sectors that don’t pay rates, has also launched. It’s supported by the Additional Restrictions Grant.  To be eligible, businesses must have fixed property costs.

The Leader of the Opposition and Liberal Democrat Group, councillor Howard Sykes MBE, has spoken with sadness about the death of HRH Prince Phillip, The Duke of Edinburgh, and has joined the chorus of voices offering condolences and sympathy to Her Majesty, The Queen and the Royal Family on their loss.

Councillor Sykes said:  “Today is a day of national mourning.  Like many British subjects, I have lived my whole life knowing only our Queen as my Sovereign and Prince Phillip as her Consort.  His Royal Highness Prince Phillip faithfully and selflessly served this country and the institution of the monarchy for decades, and was a stalwart support for Her Majesty, The Queen, throughout her long reign. He will be greatly missed by our Queen and the Royal Family and all of us.”

 “I would most like to express my condolences and sympathies to The Queen and members of the Royal Family”, added councillor Sykes. 

“Although this nation has lost a great public servant, we must remember that they have today lost a husband, a father, a grandfather and a great-grandfather.  The following days will be difficult for the Royal Family, and now is the time when all loyal subjects must stand by them in grief and solidarity.”