Lib Dem Support for Lifesaver Campaign

British_Heart_Foundation_1363709932Dear Sir, 

Letter to the Editor – Lib Dem Support for Lifesaver Campaign

As local elected leaders, we have shown our support for the St. John’s Ambulance Nation of Lifesavers campaign.

First aid is an invaluable skill for every child to learn. It gives young people the confidence to do the right thing when it really matters. And with it, they can represent the difference between life and death.

In countries, such as Norway and the United States of America, where first aid is a compulsory part of the national curriculum the medical intervention by young people at home and in the community has saved many lives.

That is why in February we brought a motion to full Council calling on the UK Government to make first aid a part of the national curriculum and for defibrillators to be installed in all Oldham schools.

And that is why we are supporting the St John campaign to create millions more first aiders – a new generation to save lives.

You can show your support too by signing the petition at the https://thepromise.sja.org.uk/

Yours sincerely

Councillor Howard Sykes

Councillor Rod Blyth

Councillor Chris Gloster

Councillor Garth Harknes

Councillor Derek Heffernan

Councillor John McCann

Councillor Dave Murphy

Councillor Val Sedgwick

Councillor Julia Turner

Councillor Diane Williamson

Strengthen EU Nature Directives to Save Wildlife, demands Sykes

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The Leader of the Opposition and of the Liberal Democrat Group on Oldham Council, and Shaw Councillor Howard Sykes MBE, has attacked proposals to scrap the European Union Birds and Habitat Directives.

These Nature Directives provide legal protection for the many unique creatures that inhabit Europe and the many places of great beauty in which they live.  The European Commission is currently running a public consultation to see if there is support to abolish them as part of a drive to “reduce environmental regulation”.

Cllr Sykes said: “These laws protect unique creatures such as the brown bear of the Caucasus, the flamingo and imperial eagle of the Donana Wetlands of Spain, and the very rare Large Mason Bee, which inhabits the sea cliffs of North Wales. This matters because these animals form part of the all-important ecosystem that we have a duty to maintain for current and future generations as stewards of this planet.”

Cllr Sykes added: “But our objections are not just about saving animals and habitats in far off places. The abolition of the Nature Directives will mean places closer to home are under threat. Places such as the South Pennine Moors, which, as part of the Peak District National Park, also borders our Borough, and the Manchester Mosses.”

“The Oldham Liberal Democrats want to see Nature Laws strengthened in the UK and in Europe – not see them eroded. That is why we have registered our objections to this proposal in the strongest possible terms”.

Crompton War Memorial – application process for additional names

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The process at the moment is that the requests come through the Mayor’s Office so that the Council can keep an up-to-date record of the names added to the war memorials.

The Council currently have records going back to the 1940’s with all the names in Royton and Oldham – they do that to ensure names are not repeated and, also that the names are added to the correct memorial.

They go through the usual checks with the Commonwealth War Graves Commission and any living relatives.

For WW1, the Council work under the old townships, that is if someone was born and lived in Shaw/Crompton at the time of their death, then their name is added to Crompton Memorial, but if they lived in Chadderton, there are no names on this memorial, so they are added to Oldham’s.

But if they lost their lives in WWII or any subsequent conflict after this date, then they are added to the Book of Remembrance at Oldham Cenotaph.  The book is listed and we have to go through a process to have any names added on through the Conservation Officer.

For further information or to make an application please contact:

Nicola Windle, Mayoralty Manager, Oldham Council

Tel: 0161 770 4012

Nicola.Windle@oldham.gov.uk

 

 

 

Lib Dem dogs on trams trial blocked by Labour and Conservative councillors

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A Lib Dem motion asking Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) to make a decision about allowing dogs on trams was blocked by an alliance of Labour and Conservative councillors at its last meeting on Friday 17 July.

TfGM have been discussing dogs on trams for more than a year, with three separate reports being issued in just the last few months. TfGM’s public consultation revealed 71% in favour of the idea.

“Greater Manchester Liberal Democrats are proposing a 12 month trial allowing dogs on trams, off-peak only and with the dogs on a lead and under control, as happens on buses and trains,” stated Cllr Howard Sykes MBE, a Lib Dem and Oldham member of TfGM.

“We have all the information we need to make a decision and it beggars belief that, at such a busy time for TfGM, Labour and Conservative councillors want to spin this out for another six months.”

Greater Manchester Liberal Democrats will continue to press for a 12 month trial for dogs on trams when the issue comes back for councillors to consider in November.

“We can only hope that the Labour and Conservative councillors can agree to make a decision in November and not delay it yet further,” Cllr Sykes added.

Notes:

Greater Manchester Liberal Democrats are proposing a 12 month trial of allowing non-assistance dogs to travel on trams during off-peak periods. All dogs should be on leads and not allowed on seats, but do not need to be muzzled, nor in a carrying box.

At the TfGM Committee meeting on Friday 17th July 2015 the Liberal Democrats proposed that, as all the information had been collected by officers, a decision should be made as quickly as possible. The proposal was rejected with every Labour and Conservative member voting against. The matter will next be considered by councillors in November.

Recent Parish Council Grants – supporting the Community of Shaw and Crompton

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  • Dog Hill Scout & Community Campsite – digger hire and timber – £250
  • Friends of Dunwood Park – Coleman shelter – £180
  • GMP and HM Prison Service – awards and stationery – £250
  • Holy Trinity Church and Parish Hall – plumbing re disabled toilet – £250

If you have an organisation that needs help an application form is below:

Shaw and Crompton Parish Council Grant Application Form 2015

 

 

Friends of Shaw and Crompton

need-volunteers

Would you like to get more involved in your local area?

Would you like to volunteer at events or activities within the Shaw & Crompton area like the Christmas Lights Switch On ?

Are you interested in setting up new groups or supporting existing local community groups and organisations such as Friends of Dunwood Park

For more details please contact Anne Fleming on 0161 770 8172 / anne.fleming@oldham.gov.uk

Support and training will be offered.

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Dunwood Park – footpath works and Green Flag retained

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The Council is carrying out some contractor work in the park. The footpath in front of the McGrother building is being surfaced and the top car park is having a Aco drain fitted at the top of the steps. A small area is being surfaced to try to reduce the amount of water that ends up on the steps.

The Green Flag judging took place in Dunwood Park on Friday 19th June and I am pleased to report that it retained its Green Flag status. Well done to the Friends of Dunwood Park and all others who helped this happen.

If you would like to help the Friends of Dunwood Park please email dunwoodparkfriends@gmail.com