Why weren’t we told?

Latics land-swap deal
A CAMPAIGNER who opposed the land-swap deal is flabbergasted at the Charity Commission’s U-turn.

Peter Batty, founder of SOPROGS (Save Our Protected Open Green Space) said: “I find it very hard to understand and come to terms with.

“The only appeal we can have against it, as far as I understand, is taking it to a court. Personally, I am not interested in that. It would be an expensive process to go through. I think it is a big embarrassment for the Charity Commission.

“I just can’t understand how they could have made such as slating rejection before and then reverse it.”

Mr Batty was told of the decision by the the Oldham Chronicle and added: “I am surprised I haven’t already received it.

“What the review said, when they asked everybody back in May for their comments, was that we would all be told at the same time.”

Opposition Liberal Democrat councillors also heard of the decision from the press.

Jackie Stanton, the party’s deputy leader, said: “I am a little bit disappointed.

“When we were in control of the council, when such major decisions of importance for the borough were on the cards, Howard (Lib-Dem leader Howard Sykes) always made sure it was a cross-party briefing.”


How it all unfolded...
THE history of Oldham Athletic’s redevelopment plans dates back over three decades:


1994: Plans begin for a joint Oldham Athletic/Rugby League Club stadium.

1997: The Sports Park 2000 plan to swap Boundary Park for Clayton Playing Fields and redevelop Latics is revealed.

2000: The plan is dropped by incoming Liberal Democrat councillors.

2005:Oldham Athletic drop proposals to move to Ferney Field Farm in Chadderton.

2007: Planning permission is given in December for Oldham Athletic plans to redevelop Boundary Park, with a hotel, new stands, conference suite and a new housing development.

2008:The Broadway stand is demolished but the plans stall.

2009:In July, the club and council reveals plans for the Failsworth stadium.

By autumn protesters say the land was paid for by the War Memorial Committee and is a trust. A residents petition and action group is set up.

2010: In March the Charity Commission fails to make up its mind about the trust land. Latics director Simon Corney says the council is dragging its feet. The council declares a trust, and is finally backed by the Charity Commission.

By June 2010 consultation starts on the councils plans to swap the trust land to other Failsworth sites.

In August the Council’s special Trust sub committee — Jack Hulme, and Mohammed Masud — votes to transfer the land to Warwick Road and Vale Lane.

2011: The Charity Commission refuses to agree to the transfer.