Power struggle moves forward

Saddleworth Parish Council: Plans to ask Oldham Council for more responsibility to be given to Saddleworth Parish Council moved a step closer when councillors questioned why an extension of their powers should be limited to just a small number of local services.

Councillor Royce Franklin said that instead of restricting the parish council’s duties simply to the upkeep of footpaths, bridleways, allotments and community toilet schemes, as originally proposed by Councillor Brian Lord, they should instead accept responsibility for any matter of local business.

He said: “I totally agree we should be taking some items forward to present to Oldham Council.

“But rather than nominate services, we should be responsible for all local matter.

“But I appreciate there is still a long way to go before that can happen.”

He was supported by Councillor Graham Sheldon, who said: “I agree with Councillor Franklin in that we should be looking at all the areas in which we can boost Saddleworth, not just three or four items.”

Councillor Lord defended his original proposal by saying: “We simply need to get something in motion. There is a great deal of writing going on about us in the local media, and we have taken people’s stick about this matter.

“We need to start rallying discussions, with a view to speaking to Oldham Council, with a further view to taking over the running of some services they provide.”



MORE tributes were paid to the former vice-chairman of Saddleworth Parish Council, Ken Hulme, who died just over a fortnight ago.
They were led by Councillor Brian Lord, who said: “I am genuinely sad that the parish council has lost Ken, and my thoughts are with his wife, Hannah, and son, George, who will take time to come to grips with their sudden loss.

“Ken and I did not always agree and had many a boisterous debate in this chamber. I voted for his election as vice-chair last year and I am desperately disappointed that he has not lived to become chairman, a role he so wanted. There is currently a shortage of real character in local politics and the loss of Ken reduces that number even further.”

Councillor Graham Sheldon said: “I always believed Ken worked hard for the people of Saddleworth. He committed himself to any cause he took up, and I believe he would have been a great ambassador for the council.”

Councillor Hulme had served on the council for nine years and died after a short illness.

A decision will be made at the next meeting of the parish council on who will replace him as vice chairman.