Don’t lose your vote on C-charge plans

ONE in five Oldhamers risks missing the chance to have their say on the proposed £3 billion transport package for Greater Manchester.

Oldham Council’s new chief executive Charlie Parker is urging residents to make sure they are on the electoral register before Wednesday’s deadline.

Mr Parker said: “The referendum will determine the biggest ever change in public transport for Oldham and it is important as many people have their say.

“The closing date for the new electoral register has been brought forward this year to November 5. Quite simply people not on the new register on that date will not be eligible to take part in the referendum.

“The issue to be decided is important and I want to make sure that everybody in Oldham plays their part.

“I want to ensure as many people as possible in our borough can exercise their democratic right to have a say on the proposals.”

Council canvassers are busy visiting as many addresses as possible to help people fill in the registration forms.

Every address in Oldham has already received forms with reminders sent to those homes that have so far not responded.

Completed forms are essential to allow the council to update the electoral register, which will be used to determine who can vote in the referendum.

The proposed £3 billion Transport Innovation Fund plan for Greater Manchester would include the introduction of a peak-time only congestion charge for motorists.

For Oldham the package would mean Metrolink trams coming into and through the town centre, improved bus and train services and hundreds of extra park and ride spaces.

The ballot papers for the referendum will be posted to homes towards the end of November, with a December 11 deadline for replies.

If the details on the registration forms already sent to homes are correct for that household all that needs to be done to register is to contact www.registerbyinternet.com/oldham or call freephone number 0800-197 4935 (24 hours).

If people have any difficulties they can call the council’s elections office on 0161- 770 4712 or email election@oldham.gov.uk.

If there are changes to be made the form must be amended and returned in the freepost envelope before Wednesday.