Message from Shaw and Crompton Events group re Christmas lights switch on in Shaw 23 Nov 24.

Message from Shaw and Crompton Events group re Christmas lights switch on in Shaw 23 Nov 24.

“All outside events are cancelled 😟

Due to the high winds expected from storm Bert, we have had to cancel all events scheduled to take place outside on Market St and Newtown St. Wind is predicted to gust to 70mph which far exceeds the safety limit on the stage, marquee and fairground rides. Throw in heavy rain and possibly snow to boot and it’s not going to be very pleasant.

We are going ahead with indoor events in the British Legion and Playhouse 2 but these have limited capacity and will become very crowded meaning we will not be able to admit people until others have left. There will be no cover outside if you wish to queue up so please be prepared for the weather in this case.

We will publish a list of the revised indoor events on Friday evening.

Thanks for nothing Bert 🤨“

Liberal Democrats hit out at Oldham Council over lack of dog fouling Protection Orders

Liberal Democrats hit out at Oldham Council over lack of dog fouling Protection Orders.

Councillor Howard Sykes MBE has expressed his deep concern and disappointment that Oldham Council has still failed to implement any Dog Fouling Protection Orders, despite widespread concerns from residents about the ongoing issue of dog mess in public spaces across the borough.

Councillor Sykes, who represents Shaw Ward, has again called on the authority to take action and finally renew the protection orders that first lapsed in 2021. 

“I am appalled that Oldham Council has not yet implemented Dog Fouling Protection Orders despite the fact I have raised concerns on several occasions,” said Councillor Sykes. “Dog fouling is not just an eyesore; it is a serious health hazard and it makes our parks and green spaces look unloved.  It is completely unacceptable that despite the clear concerns raised by residents and councillors, the Labour Council has failed to take the necessary steps.  This is really basic stuff.”

Currently, the Council can issue fines for littering, fly-tipping and other environmental crimes, but without up-to-date dog fouling protection orders, no fines can be issued to irresponsible dog owners.  This has been the case in Oldham since the orders lapsed in 2021.  Freedom of Information data obtained by Oldham Liberal Democrats shows that the Council has failed to issue any dog fouling fines in the years since.  

Councillor Sykes added, “It is baffling that Oldham Council has yet to take this very straightforward step. These orders are a vital tool in making sure our parks, streets, and open spaces are safe and enjoyable for all residents.  Responsible dog owners are especially concerned about this issue.”

The lack of action has left many residents frustrated, as they continue to witness an increase in dog fouling in parks, playgrounds, and along public pathways. Councillor Sykes first raised the issue with council officers over a year ago.

“We deserve a cleaner, safer environment for our families, and this simple step could make a world of difference.  It’s time for the council to step up and take responsibility and stop failing on the basics,” he added.

More from Oldham Liberal Democrats on dog fouling protection orders:
Oldham Council failed to renew dog fouling enforcement order leading to years of missed fines and being able to crack down on this anti-social behaviour – Howard Sykes

My two allowed questions to the Leader of Oldham Council 13 March 24 – Environmental Services Cuts and Public Space Protection Orders – Howard Sykes

I asked a question about IX masts and poles at the last full council meeting 6 November and below is a recent text from an email I have had about this matter

I asked a question about IX masts and poles at the last full council meeting 6 November and below is a recent text from an email I have had about this matter.

Will continue to do what I can about this matter.

Further to the discussion regarding IX wireless at Councill earlier this week, Cllr Shah has asked me to update you directly regarding the current status of the IX work programme in Oldham.  The letter to the Minister, requesting utility companies to increase engagement with residents, will be sent separately.

As you will be aware, work by IX wireless contractors in Oldham was stopped due to highway safety concerns.  Since that time, colleagues have been meeting regularly with IX and their contractors to address concerns.  We are now in a position to allow (limited/trial) work to being, and this will start on Monday 11 November 2024. 

Work will take place on a limited number of sites and will be subject to regular inspections – if engineers are assured that agreed practices and procedures are in operation, additional restrictions will be lifted.

Councillor Sykes welcomes return of nets to Dunwood Park tennis courts

Councillor Sykes welcomes return of nets to Dunwood Park tennis courts.

Councillor Howard Sykes MBE has welcomed the return of nets to the tennis courts at Dunwood Park months after they were promised by Oldham Council. 

The parks’ tennis courts were earmarked for a revamp costing thousands of pounds this summer.  But users were left exasperated as the courts were left unusable throughout the summer months with no nets.  After councillor Sykes raised the issue with council staff, promises were given that the work would be completed, but the Dunwood courts remained virtually untouched since August.  Now the nets have finally been reinstated following a request from councillor Sykes.

Councillor Sykes said, “Finally we have playable tennis courts again at Dunwood Park.  I thank the council staff for getting across this issue. This would have been better news in the summer when people want to use the courts.  It’s a bit chilly for a game of tennis right now, but if you’re keen, the Dunwood courts are back in action.  The work that failed to be undertaken in the summer has now been promised for the Spring.”


More from Oldham Liberal Democrats on Dunwood tennis courts:
Balls to tennis players says Oldham Council as Dunwood Park Tennis Courts remain unfinished until spring     – Howard Sykes

Liberal Democrats win vote to protect Green Belt as Oldham Council rejects Places for Everyone report

Liberal Democrats win vote to protect Green Belt as Oldham Council rejects Places for Everyone report

Oldham Council has just upheld a Liberal Democrat Opposition motion calling on the Government to remove Oldham from Places for Everyone – Greater Manchester’s regional housing policy led by Labour Mayor Andy Burnham. 

A Liberal Democrat motion submitted in July called on the Council to write to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government requesting that Oldham be removed from the plan, which is controversial for its use of Green Belt land and lack of affordable housing.  The final decision was deferred until a meeting of the Full Council this week (06/11) where elected members took a vote on whether or not to make the request. 

Oldham Liberal Democrat Leader and Leader of the Opposition councillor Howard Sykes MBE said, “Liberal Democrats have been against the destruction of our Green Belt in pursuit of developer profit from day one.  When Labour lost control of the council earlier this year, we promised the people of Oldham we would force another vote on this issue and lead the charge to pull out of this scheme in favour of a brownfield first strategy for truly affordable housing.  That is what we have done.”

Oldham Council’s Labour Administration was defeated 30 votes to 29 after a vote on whether to remain part of the Manchester-wide strategy. 

Speaking against the strategy, councillor Sykes said, “The report argues that to write a letter to the Secretary of State would be unlawful.  Members should ask themselves how can it be that making a request of a government minister could be considered unlawful? 

Because the report fails to tell us how.  No legislation or legal precedent is cited. 

“So, let’s be really clear, without a proper legal explanation as to how and why it would be unlawful to write to the Secretary of State, the resolutions in this report amount to nothing more than an attempt to unduly influence elected members. 

“This is a decision for Oldham Councillors and Oldham Councillors alone.”

It is understood that the council’s senior leadership must now write to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government – Labour’s own Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner – asking for Oldham to be removed from the Places for Everyone plan.

More from Oldham Liberal Democrats on Places for Everyone
Liberal Democrats to force no-overall-control Oldham Council to vote again on ‘Places for Everyone’ – Howard Sykes



My two allowed Leader’s Questions for tonight’s Oldham council meeting 6 Nov 24

My two allowed Leader’s Questions for tonight’s Oldham council meeting 6 Nov 24

Q1 Leaders Question: IX Wireless

Thank you, Mr Mayor,

People across Oldham Borough have been left feeling ignored and angry with regards to the situation with IX masts – not least in Shaw, Crompton and Royton.

The communication with residents has been woeful by this company.  None-existent in many cases.  The first people know is if a notice pasted on a lamp post. 

You can then respond to the sham consultation – I am not aware of one proposal being amended following constructive suggestions from residents, businesses or councillors.

When you don’t communicate, you make the disruption worse for people.  And it leads to the resentment we’ve seen.  This is all completely or nearly avoidable with proper communication. 

So will the Leader please fully explain to the Council, what the current situation with IX Wireless’s highways licenses is?

On what basis was the permit revoked?

Will she commit to proactively informing councillors and members of the public – ahead of time – as to when the permit will be reinstated?

And will she write to the Technology Minister – Chris Bryant – to ask that companies are required to share broadband infrastructure where possible in order to minimise disruption for residents?  Something the law says but I see no evidence of this happening anywhere in our Borough.

Q2 Leaders Question: Eton Star Oldham

Thank you, Mr Mayor,

Last question time I asked the Leader why she thought the Eton Star 6th Form Oldham project was necessary. 

It’s not a surprise that I and many others fail to be convinced…

But it seems that the new Secretary of State for Education was even less impressed, because since we last met, Bridget Phillipson has paused plans for the opening of 44 new state schools – including those backed by Eton. 


So, we can now add the Labour Secretary of State to the list of people who disagree with the Leader that Eton Star is the right thing for Oldham Borough.  That list includes:

  • The National Education Union.

  • Teaching professionals, parents and pupils in Oldham who have never been consulted.

  • And even the Council’s own officers, who told Children’s Scrutiny Committee in March that Eton Star would not help bridge the post-16 gap we have in Oldham Borough.   

So, can I ask the Leader… what is her plan if her own Government decides she is wrong… and decides to mothball the Eton Star project?

Also, what is the current value of the Tommyfield Market site and is the true market value of the site going to be paid to the council or are we gifting it to Eton?


The Leader may not have that figure to hand – and if not I happy she writes to me with it, but she must know if we are being paid or gifting the land?