Sykes back Tim Farron MP in Lib Dem Leadership contest
“Given the devastation of our local government base over the past five years, and the near annihilation of our Parliamentary Party on 7th May, the question we face at this election is quite simply this: who will lead us to re-capture that lost ground and make further gains? When I look at Tim’s record as a campaigner, the formidable electoral team he has built, and his ability to connect with ordinary voters, whilst I greatly admire Norman, I believe that Tim is the man to lead us forward at this time.”
Crompton Way, Shaw – Highway works – 10 August for 3 days
I have been informed that carriageway improvement works that are due to take place on Crompton Way, Shaw.
The works will be starting on Monday 10th August 2015, and last a period of three days.
The road will still be open and works will be carried out under two way and four way traffic lights where necessary.
Carriageway Improvement Works on Greenfield Lane, Shaw – starts 6 July
COPY LETTER TO LOCAL RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES
Dear Sir / Madam
As part of Oldham Council’s £10 million Capital Investment Programme, J. Hopkins (Contractors) Ltd will shortly be carrying out carriageway improvement works on Greenfield Lane, Shaw.
The improvement works on Greenfield Lane will consist of carriageway resurfacing. We anticipate that the carriageway resurfacing works will start on site week commencing 6th July 2015 and are anticipated to take 4 nights to complete.
Due to the nature of the carriageway improvement works, it is necessary to carry out the works at night. It is inevitable that local residents and businesses will experience varying levels of disruption, however Oldham Council will endeavour to keep this disruption to a minimum.
- Hopkins (Contractors) Ltd will endeavour to maintain access to your premises throughout the works, however there may be occasions when access may be restricted.
During the carriageway resurfacing works it will be necessary to close Greenfield Lane to allow for resurfacing works to be carried out safely.
Should you have any queries or require further information please telephone Highway Enquiries on 0161 770 4325. or email: richard.edwards@unitypartnership.com
The council is constantly striving to improve its services to its customers and I am sure you will welcome the improvements these works will bring to the area over the coming weeks.
Yours sincerely
Richard Edwards
Unity Partnership
See Map of who should have got this letter directly: Greenfield Lane Consulation Area
Proposed A62/M60 Hollinwood Junction Scheme
Oldham Council are proposing to start highways works in the vicinity of the Hollinwood M60 Junction 22. The majority of the works will be on the A62 Manchester Road.
The Council has been allocated funding from Transport for Greater Manchester to improve the cycling facilities as part of the Cycle City Ambition Grant (CCAG). The scheme will improve links to the Hollinwood Metrolink Station specifically and include the upgrade of all crossing facilities for both pedestrians and cyclists at the junction.
The works will include:
· Improved traffic islands to accommodate for cyclists and pedestrians
· Widened segregated cycle lanes
· Improved footway areas around the crossing points
· Warning tactile paving
· The existing traffic signals will be upgraded to the latest LED type lamps, which will reduce the likelihood of maintenance and therefore future disruption.
They have also co-ordinated this work with planned works by Highways England to reduce multiple disruption to the network later on in the year.
As you can appreciate, this is a major route in and out of Oldham, and unfortunately it is inevitable that there will be some disruption while the works are being carried out.
The construction programme is planned so that the majority of the works are during the school summer holidays when traffic is quieter on the road network. During the works there will be temporary traffic management in place, though no diversion routes will be necessary as we aim to have temporary lane closures rotated around the works, with all existing traffic movements ultimately remaining available throughout the period we are there.
They are hoping to start work around the 29 June and be complete by the end of September. Whilst the schools are still open (namely the first two weeks) they will avoid peak periods, and as the school holidays start we will extend our hours of working to minimise the time we are on site.
Allow dogs on trams, say Oldham Lib Dems ahead of crunch meeting the Friday
Liberal Democrats across Greater Manchester are calling for dogs to be allowed on Metrolink trams ahead of a crunch meeting this Friday.
Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) officials are recommending the ban on dogs continues. The Labour-controlled TfGM Policy Committee will meet on Friday afternoon at Manchester Town Hall to take the decision.
“Dogs can travel on the London Underground and on the London trams – it doesn’t cause problems. They can travel on buses and trains in Greater Manchester too. It’s difficult to see why TfGM think allowing dogs on Metrolink trams will be so terrible,” stated Cllr Howard Sykes MBE, Leader of the Opposition, Lib Dem Group Leader Oldham Council and Member of the Transport for Greater Manchester Committee.
“There could be a trial or even some restrictions, such as no dogs in rush hour, if they were needed. Just saying no is not acceptable,” he added.
“No wonder the report on this matter was not ready for the June meeting of TfGMC as I asked for it to be and indeed, the approved minutes said it would be,” said Cllr Howard Sykes.
“Let’s hope we have an outbreak of common sense and the elected councillors throw out this silly recommendation and then the tens of thousands of responsible dog owners in Greater Manchester can use trams just like they can buses and trains!”
Sykes condemns Government for pulling plug on Northern Rail Electrification
The Leader of the Opposition and of the Liberal Democrat Group on Oldham Council, Cllr Howard Sykes MBE, has roundly condemned the recent decision by the new Conservative Government to withdraw funding for the electrification of regional rail routes, especially between Manchester and Leeds.
Cllr Sykes, who also serves as a representative from Oldham Council on the Board of Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGMC), said:
“The Chancellor made a great play before the election to promise the money needed to electrify our major rail lines and so create a faster, greener northern network for business commuters and day trippers. Now the election is over the Conservatives have swiftly reneged on that promise.”
Network Rail describes rail electrification on northern routes as needed to “significantly improve in journey times, helping to support economic growth in the north.”
Cllr Sykes added: “A failure to invest in electrification will mean that the much-vaunted Northern Powerhouse will be held back as we shall lack the modern rail infrastructure that is needed. It is a joke that you can be in London nearly as quickly as the short journey from Manchester to Leeds takes on old rolling stock.”
“It is especially disappointing that the rail route from Manchester to Leeds will be neglected; this is the main arterial line that underpins the whole northern economy.”
Shaw and Crompton Family Fun weekend this weekend 27 and 28 June
Fun and events for all ages and the whole family.
See poster below: 2015-Poster Shaw and Crompton Family Fun Weekend 27 and 28 June
Please note Market Street will be closed during the day over the weekend and some additional parking restrictions will be in place to accommodate the Fair and other activities.
The Car Rally is on Sunday on Market Street and the drive round Shaw and Crompton takes place between 12noon and 1.00pm.
This event is marshalled and some minor disruption to traffic can be expected for short period at various junctions on the route.
If you see the ‘convoy’ give them a wave or a toot on your horn, which I am sure they will appreciate.
Crompton War Memorial, High Street, Shaw – improvement consultation
Posters and a tick box questionnaire are available in Crompton Library, Farrow Street for your views.
See attached report below: War Memorial Document
Also see below for a copy (apols for the quality) of the original Unveiling and Dedication Service for the War memorial held on Sunday April 29 1923.
Crompton War Memorial Unveiling and Dedication Sunday 29 April 1923
Local Shaw Lib Dem Councillor Howard Sykes welcomes plans to re-surface Greenfield Lane, Shaw
Lib Dem Cllr Howard Sykes is pleased to report that Greenfield Lane, Shaw will shortly be re-surfaced.
“This well used road has been patched up on a number of occasions over the last couple of years,” stated Cllr Sykes. “Hopefully when re-surfaced it will last many years and be of benefit for the thousands of people who use Greenfield Lane to visit ASDA and the other residents and business that use this road on a daily basis.”
There will be some delays during the works which will commence on Monday 6th July. In order to minimise this disruption it is planned the works take place over four nights (6-9 July).