Council's press ban causes confusion amid Oldham Evening Chronicle's CSE and corruption cover-up concerns

Chronicle owner Matt Ramsbottom has raised the alarm over conflicting actions and statements from Oldham Council

The Oldham Evening Chronicle has raised the alarm over conflicting actions and statements from Oldham Council, after receiving formal inferred legal threats instructing its operator to stop contacting council officers - only to later be told that no legal restrictions are in place.

On April 3, 2025, Oldham Chronicle owner Matt Ramsbottom was issued a formal “Notice of Action” under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act, ordering him to cease contact with Council officers and to stop making public allegations.

The notice, which cited “defamation” and “harassment,” was widely interpreted as a de facto press ban.

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