Battle for the village we love

Reporter: KEN BENNETT
Date published: 30 January 2015


A community leader claims Diggle residents must prepare to battle to protect the village they love.

Mark Brooks was speaking after Saddleworth residents quizzed parish councillors in an extended public question time at a full council meeting over plans to build the new secondary school in Diggle.

Mr Brooks (50), appointed chairman of the Diggle Community Association two weeks ago, said: “I witnessed yet another debacle from certain members of Saddleworth Parish Council tonight. It saddens me that any dialogue with the Diggle community is at best dictatorial and scripted to the point of dismissal. This behaviour will only drive a deeper divide between the community and the elected representatives.”

He added: “We all want Saddleworth’s children to be educated in a building which is fit for purpose, but the DCA also wants them to grow up to appreciate a Saddleworth environment that is beautiful, inspiring and unique. After tonight’s meeting it appears the Diggle community must prepare to battle to protect the village it loves.”

Community and action groups are pressing Oldham Council to build a new school on the site of the current school in Uppermill.