Party bosses to air views on c-charge

LEADERS of the main political parties in Oldham will take part in a major debate in Delph tomorrow over the proposed congestion charge.

Millgate Arts Centre will host the first big debate in the borough over the plan to make people pay to drive in and out of Manchester at peak times.

Taking part will be the leader of Oldham Council, Howard Sykes (Lib-Dem), Labour group leader Councillor Jim McMahon, and Councillor Jack Hulme, leader of the Conservative group.

A wider view of the issue will be provided by Sean Corker from Manchester Against Road Tolls. And business groups United City and Greater Manchester Momentum Group have been invited to send representatives to the meeting.

The debate has been organised the campaigning group SOS Saddleworth.

Its chairman, Councillor Ken Hulme, said: “I am delighted that the three top political figures in the borough are coming to Delph to debate the congestion charge.

“Saddleworth regularly has the highest turn-out in council elections and the way it votes could tip the result one way or another for Oldham.

“Currently there is a lot of disappointment in the villages about the proposed improvements. There is a feeling that the rural areas of Greater Manchester are going to miss out.”

The congestion charge forum starts at 7.30pm and while there is no admission charge, a collection will be taken to cover the costs.




Deadline looming for voter registration



RESIDENTS who are not registered on the electoral roll have only a few days left if they want to take part in the congestion charge referendum.



Council bosses are urging those who have not yet responded to the registration form to do so at once. The deadline is Wednesday.

All homes in the borough have been sent the form so that the electoral register can be updated and people’s eligibility to vote confirmed.

This includes the vote on the Transport Innovation Fund (TIF) plan for Greater Manchester.

The scheme would see a massive investment in public transport, including bringing trams through Oldham town centre and bus network improvements.

But it will involve a peak-time congestion for people travelling into and out of Manchester.

Acting chief executive Liz Terry is urging households being visited by canvassers to be co-operative.

She said: “We have agents calling at homes and I urge people to answer the door to them. They are doing an important job for the democratic process.”

If the details on the form are correct all households need to do is confirm via the council website or by calling 0161-770 4712.

Forms needing changes must be amended and returned in the freepost envelope. E-mail enquiries can be made to election@oldham.gov.uk