“A Peoples Budget for a Peoples Council” Oldham Liberal Democrats set out alternative plans for council spending

Oldham Councils’ Liberal Democrat Opposition Group have set out their alternative spending plans during a crucial vote at Oldham’s Full Council. (Wed 28/02). 

The Liberal Democrat amendment to the ruling Labour Group’s budget contained plans to invest in parks and green spaces, more money for road maintenance and pavement repairs and investment in youth services.  In addition to serious capital spending (£1M+ in year one) in the districts not in Oldham Town Centre 

Leader of Oldham Liberal Democrats councillor Howard Sykes MBE said, “Our budget plans are relentlessly focused on delivering safer streets, maintaining our parks and green spaces; and funding youth services.”

“We have presented a People’s Budget for a People’s Council.  Because we have listened to what residents tell us they want to see.”

The Liberal Democrat proposals were blocked by the ruling Labour Group at Wednesday’s Full Council meeting.

Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader and spokesperson for Finance councillor Sam Al-Hamdani said, “Under Labour’s proposals, the council’s obsession with Oldham Town Centre will continue at the expense of all the districts, towns and villages that make up our Borough.  Every corner of Oldham deserves investment and opportunity, and Liberal Democrats have a plan to deliver that through targeted spending in every area.”

The Liberal Democrats will fund their proposals by cutting “wasteful spending” from Labour’s existing budget. 

Councillor Sykes said, “These are challenging times. When the council spends our money, every penny available should be going into the services that our residents rely on.  We have identified more than £300,000 of wasteful spending in Labour’s proposals and Liberal Democrats think that money would have been much better spent on our roads, our parks and our youth services.”

“If we had had more than the dozen or so days we had to look at proposals I am sure we could have done a lot more,“ he added.
 

Hopefully the Big Lamp roundabout lights will be yellow to mark the occasion.

The restrictions are required to facilitate manhole works and will be in force between 7pm and 10pm on Monday 4^th March 2024 or until the works are completed whichever is the lesser period  

Alternative route

Southbound: Beal Lane, Market Street and Greenfield Lane

Northbound: Greenfield Lane and Westway

“People can expect a complete change in direction”: Oldham Liberal Democrats submit response to Local Plan review 2024

Oldham Councils’ Liberal Democrat Opposition Group have submitted their written response to Oldham Councils’ Local Plan Review 2024.  The Local Plan is the document that guides Council decision making on development.  The latest refresh of the policy will shape regeneration projects across Oldham until 2039. 

Liberal Democrat Group Leader councillor Howard Sykes MBE said, “The Liberal Democrats fundamentally disagree with the direction that Oldham Labour are taking our Borough in.”

“Under Labour, when it comes to development the Council is putting all its eggs in Andy Burnham’s basket.  Oldham Labour are committed to delivering the Manchester Mayors’ flagship ‘Places for Everyone’ housing scheme, which should really be called ‘Palaces for everyone’.  The Liberal Democrats have always said that this scheme will deliver the wrong homes in the wrong place for our Borough at the expense of our local Green Belt sites.  We will not see any of the new investment in local services, schools and amenities that we need across all corners of the Borough.” 

“It’s clear from the Councils’ latest draft of the Local Plan, that the obsession with Oldham Town Centre will continue; and that districts like Shaw, Crompton, Lees, Saddleworth and its villages and elsewhere will continue to go neglected.”

“Under the Liberal Democrats, people can expect a complete change of direction.  A focus on all of Oldham Borough with ambitious plans for ‘Brownfield First’ affordable housing, investments in safer active travel and public transport; and a clear-cut plans to bring employment, opportunity and skills to the area.”

Pop along for advice, help or to discuss any issue or matter with your local Liberal Democrat councillors.

Shaw and Crompton Advice Surgeries (no appointment necessary) held on the following Thursdays at Shaw Lifelong Learning Centre – 7:30pm to 8:30pm.

February 29 and March 7, 14, 21 and 28

TV interference problems?

https://restoretv.uk/

Mobile services are being upgraded in Shaw and Crompton. This is of course good news, providing improved speed, performance and coverage for local residents and businesses via tablets and mobile phones.

However, because these new mobile signals were previously used by TV services received through an aerial – such as Freeview, BT, TalkTalk and YouView – there is a small chance that if you use these services, you may notice new interference.

Signs of interference include poor sound, a blocky picture, or a ‘no signal’ message. Restore TV provides free support to households that may experience this sort of TV interference. This ranges from providing a free TV filter which blocks the mobile signal and enables you to continue receiving and watching free to view services to in-home engineer visits.

Restore TV offers extra support for people who are 75 years of age or older, listed blind or partially sighted, or receive any of the following benefits: personal independence payments (PIPs); attendance allowance; constant attendance allowance or War Pensioner’s Mobility Support.

Cable and satellite TV, like Sky or Virgin, will not be affected by these mobile signals, but if you have cable or satellite TV and also watch TV through an aerial on another TV, Restore TV can provide free filters and advice, but not in-home engineer support.

If you have noticed new interference to your TV service, get in touch with Restore TV to find out if it is caused by the recent mobile signal upgrade. You can contact Restore TV on 0808 13 13 800 (free from UK landlines and mobiles) or via restoretv.uk, where you can also find more information.

Are you coming into town for #IlluminateOldham this Saturday?

The fun begins on Saturday 24 February from 6pm with the annual illuminated Parade from the Oldham Civic Centre to the Old Town Hall.  Here is everything you need to know…

See hundreds of community-made lanterns, galloping horses, flying birds and a giant illuminated octopus that will be sure to light up the High Street.

Look out for illuminated puppets, dancers and drummers from Global Grooves, alongside groups from across Oldham as they create a joyous explosion of colour, music and creativity.

From 6pm until 9pm, explore the 10 light artworks at various locations across the town centre – all you need to do is grab a brochure and follow the trail.

Don’t miss the activities at Gallery Oldham and Oldham Library throughout the night:

Life with the Wave by Interplay National Sensory Theatre: Experience a playful underwater journey in an illuminated dome. Shows at 6:30 and 7:30pm.

There will also be live music from Illuminate Parade Bands and a pop-up cafe where you can grab a bite to eat.

At 8pm, head over to the Old Town Hall as it transforms with vivid projection mapping, music and storytelling to bring the Grade 2 listed building to life with the colours of nature. 

Plus, much more!

More information here

Oldham Way Closure

Oldham Way will be closed for three nights on Wed 28, Thurs 29 Feb, and Fri 1 March. 

The closures will be in place from 8pm until 5am. 

The closure will be between the Manchester Road roundabout to the junction of Prince Street/Oldham Way.  Diversion signs will be in place.

Shaw Liberal Democrat councillors’ step in as residents report building site disturbances

Residents in the Linney Lane/Oak Street area of Shaw have been plagued by noise pollution and mess on the site of the former ‘Very Group’ fulfilment centre, which is currently being redeveloped for 130 three and four bedroom homes. 

Shaw’s Liberal Democrat councillors have stepped in, calling on Oldham Council officers to ensure that considerations are made to residents and the surrounding area. 

Leader of Oldham Liberal Democrats and Shaw representative, councillor Howard Sykes MBE said, “For some time now, residents have been putting up with noise and mess from site.  The lack of effective sweeping and wheel-washing facilities on the site are also causing issues.” 

“Everyone accepts that some disturbance and mess is part of the deal on a job like this.  But contractors have a responsibility to show consideration to the public and council officers have a responsibility to ensure that checks are carried out,” he added.

“Since contacting the Council about this matter the piling has stopped as it is complete on that section of the development, but similar works will be required later on in the construction,“ stated councillor Sykes.  “I have also been assured measures will be taken to reduce the mud and mess being deposited on to the highway which has been an issue for much longer.”

More from Oldham Liberal Democrats on the Linney Lane redevelopment: Former Very site Linney lane – Howard Sykes (mycouncillor.org.uk)