A new suite of computers is being delivered for the 2200 (Oldham) Squadron Air Training Corps following a successful bid to Oldham’s Local Improvement Fund from the Grotton, Springhead and Lees councillors.

The computers will enable the volunteers at the Squadron to better deliver the vast range of training they give to the cadets, which includes the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme, leadership skills and radio communications.

Flight Lieutenant Joe Lord, the OC (Officer Commanding) for the squadron, said: “Getting this grant is amazing. We train cadets to succeed in many areas; providing them with skills to support our local community, and developing them both for the world of work and further education.

“These computers will help us to continue delivering this training at a high level. The skills developed through the RAF air cadet scheme provide young people with a reason to focus their energies into something productive and worthwhile.

The grant is one of three delivered to groups in the area by the three Liberal Democrat councillors for Saddleworth West and Lees – who also successfully applied for grants for classes at the Lees Ecohub, and an outdoor play space at the Springhead Community Centre.

Councillor Alicia Marland said: “I met Joe at the Remembrance service in November, where the cadets did themselves and our community proud.

“We recently got the opportunity to visit the squadron, and saw first hand what an amazing job the volunteers do for the cadets. I’m proud that we’ve been able to give a helping hand to make that job a little easier, and go a little further.

“So much of being a local councillor is about building our community, and this is a perfect example of how we can work together with local groups, and take pride in the fantastic people that live here.”

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 2, 9, 16, and 23.

Today marks Holocaust Memorial Day, a day when we come together to remember the millions of people who were murdered by the Nazi regime and their collaborators during the Holocaust, and the devastating genocides which followed in countries such as Columbia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

We held a local service at 9:30am today at Crompton War Memorial, led by local councillor Diane Williamson and attend by other councillors and the public.

You can take part in commemorating this annual event too, including the safe lighting of a candle in your window at 4pm today as part of a special ‘Light the Darkness’ moment to stand against prejudice and hatred. To learn more about Holocaust Memorial Day visit https://www.hmd.org.uk/

Liberal Democrat Opposition Leader councillor Howard Sykes MBE, has called for ‘on-the-spot’ fines for littering to be doubled – taking the fine from £100 to £200 – to crack down on littering offences. 

Councillor Sykes said, “Littering is a huge problem across Oldham and it’s something the current Labour administration just doesn’t have a handle on – despite throwing thousands of pounds at campaigns like ‘Don’t Trash Oldham’.”

In a response to a Freedom of Information Request issued by the Liberal Democrats, Oldham Council confirmed that the number of fixed Penalty Notices (FPNs) issued for littering offences has fallen each year from 636 in 2019 to just 53 in the first half of 2022.

Councillor Sykes said, “These are shocking figures that tell their own story.  This is about getting the basics right.  We need meaningful penalties and proper enforcement.  These numbers must be an embarrassment to the Labour run council.”

According to the Policy Exchange think-tank, who have released a report on tackling littering and other environmental crimes, the government also needs to combat the problem.  Policy recommendations include higher fines, tax breaks for companies who make biodegradable alternatives to commonly littered products like chewing gum; and published league tables to name and shame underperforming councils. 

The report also suggests the introduction of a ‘littering awareness course’ for offenders – similar to the speeding awareness courses handed out for dangerous driving.

Councillor Sykes said, “I welcome the Policy Exchange report because it points to practical solutions, but I

NOTES

Policy Exchange report – Litterbugs 2.0
litterbugs.pdf (localgov.co.uk)

Response to FOI Request issued by councillor Sykes
Dear Cllr Sykes,

In response to your Freedom of Information request, we are happy to provide the following information.

	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022
Litter FPNs	486	636	194	86	53
Prosecutions	35	79	49	37	4 (up to end May )

Liberal Democrat Leader and Shaw representative councillor Howard Sykes MBE has called on Greater Manchester leaders to adopt a new support strategy for new-born babies across the city region. 

The ‘baby box’ was trialled in Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh Trust in 2018 but councillor Sykes says it should be put into place across the whole of Greater Manchester. 

Councillor Sykes said, “The early years are so crucial and new parents feel the stress of trying to provide the best possible start for their children.  We know that child poverty is on the rise in Britain, and it’s made worse by the cost-of-living crisis.”

Across England, one in every three babies are born into poverty.  However, in Oldham, rates of infant poverty are even higher – closer to four in ten babies.  

“We must give families the support they need at the start, so that children in Oldham can thrive.  Greater Manchester should follow Scotland and other European examples and introduce the ‘Baby Box’ for all new-borns.”

The Baby Box – popularised in Finland and now adopted as policy in Scotland – is a hamper that is provided to all expectant (your midwife fills in a form at 24 weeks, and you receive your baby box four weeks before your due date) mothers, free of charge.  It contains clothes, nappies, blankets and even an under-arm thermometer for taking temperatures.  The hamper itself can be quilted and used as a cot. 

Councillor Sykes said, “It’s no wonder that Finland has less child mortality and less children living in poverty than the UK.  Clearly Greater Manchester should follow Finland’s and the trials example and launch a similar scheme across our region.  A little effort in those early stages of life could make a world of difference for thousands of children.”

Information on Scottish ‘Baby Box’ scheme (NHS Scotland)

Scotland’s Baby Box | Ready Steady Baby! (nhsinform.scot)

Save the Children – Child Poverty Statistics

New poverty stats: One in three preschool children are living in poverty (savethechildren.org.uk)

The Government has introduced new legislation which means photographic identification will be compulsory for anyone voting in person in this year’s elections.  

Voters attending the polls on Thursday 4 May will be refused a ballot if they do not show Government-approved photo ID.  Accepted ID includes:

• passports
• driving licences
• concessionary bus passes
• a PASS card (Proof of Age Standards Scheme)
• Blue Badge
• Voter Authority Certificate

Expired ID is also accepted as long as the photo is a true likeness. You can visit the Electoral Commission website for a full list of accepted forms of voter ID

If residents don’t have any of these forms of ID, they can apply for a free voter ID which is also called a Voter Authority Certificate. A website has been set up to register for free voter ID  

People can also get help getting online at any library if they need some support, or the Elections Team is able to answer question and they can be contacted at 0161 770 4318 or elections@oldham.gov.uk  

You can also register to vote by post as normal, and postal votes will not require further ID. For more information, visit www.oldham.gov.uk/voterid

The resurfacing for Southlink Junction will be going ahead from Monday 23 January to Friday 27 January, with Oldham Way being closed for five nights.

The closure will be in place between 8pm and 5am. Signage will be in place to advise drivers of the closure. The late notice, which is due to the changing weather, and forecasts for next week means the work is able to go ahead.