Council insist the condition of Oldham's roads 'has always been a priority' after Lib-Dems reveal budget cut figures

New figures revealed by Oldham Liberal Democrats show that budgets for road and pavement improvement works have been slashed by almost 25% in three years.

Oldham Liberal Democrat Leader councillor Howard Sykes MBE said the findings were “a damning reflection on Oldham Council and it’s Labour administration”.

The figures, which were uncovered by a Freedom of Information request made by the Liberal Democrats, show that the overall highways budget fell from just under £7.9m in the year 2020/21, to just over £5.9m in 2022/23. 

Councillor Sykes said: “When I speak to the people I represent, the state of the roads and footpaths is always one of the top concerns. 

"But capital budgets, which are the monies used for road resurfacing and other long-term repair projects, have fallen steadily over the last few years. 

"Time and again, council bosses are ignoring the basics and people are sick of it.”

The Liberal Democrat Leader called on council chiefs to “revisit their budget priorities” to avoid deeper costs further down the line. 

Councillor Sykes added: “If the council doesn’t get itself into gear and start funding our roads, pavements and cycle routes properly, the costs will be bigger in the long run. 

"Whether it is because the council has to pay out in damages or because more costly repairs are needed, the result is the same. 

"The deeper the potholes get, the deeper the cost to the public.”

Oldham Council has responded to Councillor Sykes' comments.

Councillor Chris Goodwin, Oldham Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, told the Chronicle: “Improving the condition of our roads has always been a priority for the council as we know residents feel strongly about them.

"Any councillor will tell you it is one of the biggest issues residents raise with them.

"And rightly so because they play a big part in our lives.

"Maintaining more than 850km of road isn’t easy, especially when government funding has been cut severely over the last decade, but the council takes a proactive approach to looking after our roads rather than waiting for them to deteriorate.

“The majority of our roads are already in a good condition thanks to the £12m the council has invested in them since 2019.

“The council was recently awarded more than £3.8m from GMCA to improve streets, pavements and bridges across the borough in this financial year - supporting the needs of residents and motorists.

“Our teams are already at work on sites across the borough.

“If you see a defect on the road, report it to us and we’ll inspect and take appropriate action.”

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.