On Thursday 3rd May the polling stations are open from 7am – 10pm.

You do not need your polling card to vote.

Also if you have not returned your postal vote you or some one on your behalf can hand it in at any polling station.

If you think local – vote local

This Thursday 3rd May, local people will vote in the local elections. Their vote will not change the Government but will elect a local Councillor.

The choice you have for a Councillor for this area are: one who has lived here all his life and who has a track record of standing up for Shaw or the Labour candidate from Royton who claims to live in the area!

It has been my honour and privilege to be your Councillor for more than 25 years. I am now asking for your support on Thursday.

This local election is important for local residents. It has only been one year since Labour has been in charge of Oldham Council. Here in Shaw we have already seen the closure of our tip; a massive increase in fly-tipping; dirtier streets and open spaces; and now Labour are trying to close our swimming baths.

Yet Labour (supported by the Conservatives) are looking to build a new pool in Royton, like the one they built in another Labour favoured area – Chadderton.

Many local residents have been telling us how much they appreciate the all year round work and action by the Liberal Democrat team here in Shaw Ward.

I and my colleagues all live locally and we always keep in touch with the ‘FOCUS’ leaflets – 30 years of action in total! As many residents keep saying, “You never hear from the other parties outside of election time”.

This election is going to be very close, between myself and Labour’s candidate from Royton. Just 98 votes separated the Lib Dems and Labour last year.

We need to send a clear message to Labour bosses at Oldham Council that Shaw deserves a fair deal.

We can win, but only with your support. By voting for me – Howard Sykes – you can ensure that I will continue to fight for the best deal for local people.

Best wishes – Howard Sykes

PS – This year’s local elections are not about the Government or national politics. They are about local issues and local people. They are about doing what’s best for Shaw and its residents.

I’m Howard Sykes and I’d like to outline why I deserve your vote.

First and foremost I am a local lad, having grown up in Shaw and still living in the heart of the town – something which cannot be said for some of my opponents.

I and my colleagues work hard all year to get the views of local residents.

I listen to what people have to say and make sure these views are taken account of.

I can be contacted at www.howardsykes.co.uk; via email; phone; my address in Shaw and, at my regular advice centres.

I’ve fought hard for the things people tell me they want to see for themselves and their families, such as a new health centre, improvements to the roads and to tackle anti social behaviour.

There have been some successes recently with highway works completed on Grains Road and Beal Lane and alley- gates have been installed in a number of locations.

I have also been heavily involved with the successful bid to attract £1m of investment into Dunwood Park and in the recent improvements to Crompton Moor/Brushes Clough.

But I know there’s more to do.

I am the only candidate campaigning to save Shaw Baths from closure because I believe that the people of Shaw need this amenity in the local area rather than having to travel to Royton.

I’m also working hard for local people fighting the effects of the closure of Beal Hey Tip, and the increased litter and fly tipping being experienced as a result.

No wonder all some candidates in this election want to talk about is national politics.

This is a local election about local issues and about who is best placed to represent Shaw on Oldham Council.

I do hope I can count on YOUR support on Thursday 3rd May.

Best wishes and many thanks for reading this post.

Here is hoping you all have a good one!

Best wishes Howard

The Beal Lane Roadworks may be finished in time for re-opening the road on Easter Sunday.

Howard Sykes said, “Following discussions with the project team, it appears the operational team doing the works may be able to finish a little earlier than planned over the Easter holiday.”

Howard continued, “My understanding is that this change means there may be some overnight restriction to Beal Lane later in April but that trade off seems acceptable in order to minimise disruption to local residents and road users.”

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