Tory leader shocked at state of town hall

Jack Hulme. . . shocked

THE Tories have waded into the criticism of the state of the old town hall, labelling its plight “municipal vandalism”.

Oldham group leader, Councillor Jack Hulme, has toured the dilapidated building and was horrified by what he saw.

He said: “Although prepared by what I had previously been told about the degeneration of the building, I was still shocked at the scale of devastation that has been wrought to this fine civic building.

“I understand that it was last used in 1995 and since that time it has been allowed to slide into its current derelict state.

“In the past 13 years, no provision has been made for protecting the building from the elements and successive administrations should be ashamed of themselves. It is an act of municipal vandalism!”

The Evening Chronicle recently revealed that the Grade II listed building is only months away from a major roof collapse and it could cost up to £30 million to restore it.

The Labour group leader, Councillor Jim McMahon, has called for an end to political point scoring and wants cross-party support to secure its future.

He said it’s time to respect the importance of the borough’s heritage, or Oldham’s pride will be damaged beyond repair.

Councillor Hulme said: “Now that the debate is in the public arena I pledge that the Tory group will work with any partner to achieve either refurbishment or a more realistic renewal.

“The sum of £30 million has been mentioned and this would clearly have to come from the private sector.

“What we cannot afford, as has been the case in the past, is for a series of grandiose schemes that do not have the appropriate level of funding.

“In future, the funding must be in place to transfer plans into reality.”

Council leader, Lib-Dem councillor Howard Sykes, has asked Oldhamers what should happen to the building.