Lis leads C-charge yes vote campaign

THE former manager of Manchester’s Commonwealth Games bid has been appointed chairman of the campaign for a yes vote in the congestion charge referendum.

Lis Phelan, who retired as Director of Libraries and Theatres with Manchester City Council in 2003, also worked as deputy chief executive of Marketing Manchester, tasked with promoting Greater Manchester across the world, for four years.

Her appointment was announced as the coalition of unions, businesses, environmentalists, commercial drivers, pensioners, students, community leaders and voluntary associations launched its advertising campaign in the lead–up to the December 11 poll.

Seven of Greater Manchester’s 10 districts must vote yes for the bid for £3 billion of Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) money for public transport improvements to go ahead — including bringing trams to Oldham town centre.

Ms Phelan said: “I think most people now appreciate that £3 billion will give Greater Manchester a dramatically improved transport system.


Have your say

OLDHAMERS looking to debate the controversial congestion charge are invited to a congestion charge forum at the Millgate Theatre in Delph.

The event will bring together all sides of the argument, with councillors of all political colours, including the new leader of the labour group on Oldham Council, Councillor Jim McMahon, and the leader of the council, Lib-Dem Howard Sykes, expected to attend.

Saddleworth Parish Councillor Ken Hulme said: “This is an important issue and will have implications for most of us in Saddleworth, not just those of us who commute into Manchester. Whatever people think of the congestion charge, whether they are for or against it, or still undecided, I hope that they will come to the event.”

The forum will take place on October 10.