Public to have a say on Latics plans

Reporter: RICHARD HOOTON
Date online: 27 November 2009

OLDHAM Council is sending two senior representatives to meet campaigners against Oldham Athletic’s £20 million stadium plans.

Councillor Mohib Uddin, Cabinet member for regeneration; and Elaine McLean, executive director for economy, places and skills, will represent the local authority at a public meeting on Monday.

Members of the Failsworth Residents Action Group (FRAG) have organised the event at Failsworth School, Brierley Avenue, for 7pm.

Latics are in the process of preparing a planning application for the 12,000-seat stadium, including community sports facilities, on a 30-acre site off Broadway.

It takes in the site of the Lancaster Club and adjoining allotments and open space at Failsworth Lower Memorial Park. Residents opposed to the plans say they will organise a 10,000-name petition, and have launched the action group and a leafleting campaign.

As the school has a maximum capacity of 320, the group is inviting only those living in Failsworth east and west wards — including local Latics fans.

The League One club will be represented by chief executive Alan Hardy and managing director Simon Corney.

Councillor Uddin said: “This is a regeneration proposal and we feel it is very important that Oldham Council is represented at this event.

“Although the submission of the planning application is a matter for the football club itself, we will be there to listen to the views and concerns of Failsworth residents as part of the ongoing consultation process.”