The future amid cuts

Council leader, Jean Stretton

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OLDHAM Council will need to cut another £37 million from the budget by 2019 ­- and this will mean "impacts which people will notice".

That was the statement from council leader Jean Stretton, who spoke about the many challenges and uncertainties facing the borough in the wake of Britain's decision to leave the EU.

But she did highlight some of the good work the council is doing despite some of this.

"I also want to be clear, however, that the solution doesn't always mean cuts," said Councillor Stretton. "It can also mean different ways of working.

"We know that nobody from outside is going to come in and fix our issues for us.

"We will continue under my leadership, and with a strong and focused cabinet, to play that vital civic leadership role as a co-operative council. What the first five years of our co-operative journey have already taught us is one very simple lesson - it only succeeds when we all pull together in the same direction."

Councillor Stretton said the council will be able to announce soon the opening date for the old town hall, which will be transformed into a cinema and various restaurants and cafes.

This is part of the ongoing town centre regeneration, which would end the "wild west" culture around Yorkshire Street.

She said: "We are building the heart of a family-friendly town centre. One with a great leisure offer where people from all walks of life can mix, enjoy coffee, watch a film, relax in a new public space, and take a stroll through a booming independent quarter."

She also defended the changes to the bin collection. In June, the council revealed plans to reduce bin collections to just once every three weeks, which come into effect next month.

Change

"We simply have to make this change," said Councillor Stretton. "The disposal of rubbish from grey bins costs £16 million per year and even without the pressure of budget cuts this amount is rising every year.

"If we were to do nothing and leave bin collections as they are it would cost a further £3m over the next two years. That's £3m we just don't have."

However, the council leader spoke of the positive things happening in Oldham.

She cited the funding now in place for the arts and heritage centre in the old library building in Union Street as well as the park and ride facility at Mumps which, once open, will see work begin on the Prince's Gate scheme.

The council has also approved over 70 grant applications in the town's independent quarter.

This has attracted more than 30 new businesses and over 150 new jobs, as well as the new digital enterprise hub at the former Wahoo Bar.

Launch

Next year the enterprise and skills team will launch the Career Advancement Service. This will help an initial 400 employed local residents to understand what additional support they might need to get an in-work promotion and improve their incomes.

Finally, Councillor Stretton challenged Prime Minister Theresa May to come to Oldham to see the work being done in the borough.

She added: "We know better than ever before what our challenges are.

"We have the plans, the people, the assets ­­- and now the confidence ­- to do it.

"In Oldham we will not leave people behind.

"Put simply: We can only build a better borough together. That is not going to change."