Forum to advise on heritage

OLDHAMERS with an interest in the borough’s history and heritage are being asked to play a part in a new council forum.

The Heritage Advisory Forum meets for the first time on Tuesday at the Local Interest Centre in Union Street.

It will bring together groups interested in Oldham’s heritage and will provide help and support to the council on conservation, planning and regeneration issues.

The event will be led by the council’s heritage champion, Councillor Mike Buckley, and aims to start by putting together a local list of buildings with heritage value, not currently protected as listed buildings.

Councillor Buckley said: “There is a tremendous interest within all parts of the borough in our shared heritage.

“But there is also a concern that with redevelopment some of this is disappearing.

“The forum will be a focal point for heritage issues and will bring together professional and voluntary groups to help ensure these important issues are carefully considered and play a key part in the regeneration of the borough.

“I would like to extend this invitation to anyone who feels that they would like to get involved.”

There will also be an opportunity for members of the public to nominate buildings or, where relevant, help with local assessments.

Once drawn up, the list will help with planning decisions and protection of buildings.

The forum will also provide an opportunity for discussing other heritage issues as well as explaining wider regeneration plans.

The first meeting starts at 6.30pm. For more information contact Arnis Buklovskis or Karen Heverin on 0161-770 4105.