Green growth to pay dividends

Oldham Council Cabinet

GREEN spaces will bloom across Oldham following a decision by councillors to establish a fund for new community projects.

The Green Dividend will provide money to support the development of green space projects in alleys, pavements, parks, playing fields, private gardens, allotments, green roofs, walls and cemeteries.

A “universal” offer will be available to community groups and groups of residents, with grants of £500 to £5,000 available from the £100,000 pot. A second “selective” fund of £170,000 will target eight areas — Alexandra, Coldhurst, Hathershaw, Hollinwood, Oldham Edge, Primrose Bank, St Mary’s and Waterhead — all in need of green space development with the fund set at £170,000. The universal fund will be launched next month, the selective fund in October.

Councillor Barbara Brownridge said: “This initiative will give residents across the borough a chance to take ownership of their local area.”