Six of Oldham Council’s famous gritters have been retired after years of super service. Now they are asking our young people to name their replacements.

They are running a name the gritter competition for primary and junior age children (4-11) and hopefully they will receive an avalanche of entries like they have done in the past.

The winning names will be added to the front of the cabs.

Entries to be sent via the webpage

Social media suggestions will not be accepted.

The closing date for entries is 11.59pm on Friday, November 3.

The winners will be invited down to Moorhey Street depot to have their photo taken with the gritter they have named.

Attracting a spooktacular crowd in Oldham this Halloween 

Oldham Town Centre is the place to be for Halloween, from Saturday 21 October to Saturday 4 November.

Halloween Trail – A digital adventure

The council are encouraging people to take part in an interactive story trail for a chance to win great prizes like cinema tickets and more. 

Saturday, 28 October – Monster madness

Enjoy “The Invisible Man,” “Praying Mantis,” spooky music, face painting, and crafts.

Sunday, 29 October – Halloween happenings

Cheer on the Halloween Half Marathon and join in the spooktacular fun run. Encounter Beastie, Minder, and Inflatable Spider, and enjoy free arts and crafts. OCL is looking for volunteers for this event. If anyone in your network is interested please contact Events@oldham.gov.uk 

Find out more about all Halloween activities here

Labour’s latest draft of controversial ‘Places for Everyone’ development plan slammed by Liberal Democrats

The controversial Greater Manchester-wide housing strategy, Places for Everyone, has gone out to public consultation after a new round of modifications to the plan were drafted earlier this year. 

The scheme, which has been overseen by Greater Manchester’s Labour Mayor Andy Burnham, has drawn heavy criticism from councillors and the public over its heavy use of Green Belt land. 

Oldham Liberal Democrat Leader councillor Howard Sykes said, “The view of Oldham residents has been loud and clear since this plan was first put forward.  Building luxury housing on Green Belt land is not going to solve the housing crisis.”

Councillor Sykes blasted the latest proposals which he argued would “sell out communities in Oldham” and challenged Oldham Council’s ruling Labour Group to follow the example of Liberal Democrat controlled Stockport and withdraw from the scheme altogether. 

Councillor Sykes said, “The latest modifications the public now have the chance to consult on make for astounding reading.  All kinds of protections have been removed or watered down including on investment in our roads, public transport,  contributions to new local services and even flooding protections.”

“I strongly encourage residents across Oldham to make their voices heard in this consultation.” 

The public consultation on Places for Everyone runs from Wednesday 11^th October until Wednesday 6^th December.  After the consultation ends, elected councillors in Oldham will be asked to vote on whether or not Oldham will adopt the Places for Everyone proposals. 

Members of the public can share their views on the proposals by contacting: placesforeveryone@greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk   

Places for Everyone proposed modifications in full
Modifications – Greater Manchester Combined Authority (greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk)

Example proposed modification from the Beal Valley site near Shaw, showing previous commitments on school places and health facilities which are highlighted for removal

Oldham Liberal Democrats back calls for private renting emergency

Liberal Democrat councillors in Oldham have joined leading Greater Manchester housing charities in declaring a “private rent emergency” across the region. 

Oldham Liberal Democrat Leader and Shaw representative councillor Howard Sykes MBE said, “The cost of renting in Oldham is rising at an unsustainable rate.  In September last year the average rented property in Oldham cost £670 per month.  This year the average price is £834 per month.  And in some parts of our Borough, rents are climbing far higher.”  

Greater Manchester has some of the highest homelessness figures in the UK.  Leading housing charities Shelter, Stepping Stone Projects, Mustard Tree and The Booth Centre have launched the new ‘Greater Manchester Private Rent Emergency’ campaign – arguing that spiralling rents and the cost-of-living crisis are pushing more and more people into poverty. 

Councillor Sykes said, “Wages are not keeping up with the rising cost of renting and this is already having devastating consequences for families in Oldham.  Urgent changes in the law are needed to give private renters more protections from runaway rents and poor-quality housing.”

NOTES

Mustard Tree statement on launch of new campaign
Mustard Tree | “Greater Manchester Private Rent Emergency” declared by leading charities – Mustard Tree

Information on the cost of renting in Oldham (2023)

Home.co.uk: Oldham Market Rent Summary

Information on the cost of renting in Oldham (2022)
Oldham Rental Market | Stats & Graphs (varbes.com)

Renewed calls for scrutiny of Northern Care Alliance as only 48% of cancer patients seen within two months

Oldham Council’s Liberal Democrat Group have once again renewed their calls for greater scrutiny of the Northern Care Alliance (NCA), which runs NHS services in the borough after latest NHS figures reveal that only 48% of cancer patients in Oldham are being seen for urgent treatment within two months.  The national target is 85%. 

Liberal Democrat Shadow Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care councillor Louie Hamblett said, “It has been clear for some time now, that the government has abandoned the NHS.  Our local services are struggling.  In the absence of proper leadership from the government, local councillors need work with healthcare leaders to get the best possible outcomes for Oldham residents during what is going to be a very difficult winter.” 

Councillor Hamblett has written to representatives from Northern Care Alliance, renewing calls for a joint scrutiny board in partnership with Oldham Council.

Councillor Hamblett said, “Oldham Council cannot afford to be spectators on the side lines while local health services are failing.”

“Councillors have a responsibility to work with local NHS services and to ask the tough questions.  The Council’s leadership must now join the Liberal Democrats in calling for a proper scrutiny body for the Northern Care Alliance, because without one, people across Oldham will not have a voice when it comes to their health service.”        

RE: Joint scrutiny board for Oldham and Northern Care Alliance

Dear Dr Craig and Heather Caudle

Following discussion at the special meeting of Adult Social Care and Health Scrutiny Board, I am writing to reaffirm the support of Liberal Democrat Group for the creation of a joint scrutiny board in partnership between Oldham Council and Northern Care Alliance. 

Oldham Liberal Democrats strongly believe that – given the enormous pressures facing our local services and in the context of the significant reorganisation that the NHS is facing in Greater Manchester – now is the time for councillors and healthcare professionals to work together in the public interest. 

A formal scrutiny board would give structure and accountability to that shared ambition and remains the strongest option available to us in the effort to drive sustained improvements and advocate for resources and investment needed in Oldham. 

I hope that the Leadership of Northern Care Alliance will agree, and that work can begin without delay. 

Best wishes,

Councillor Louie Hamblett Crompton Liberal Democrat

Real Opposition Member for Health and Social Care