Congestion charge plan is opposed

OPPOSITION to the proposed congestion charge was raised at last night’s Hollinwood Area Committee.

The proposals are part of a £3 billion Transport Innovation Bid (TIF) which would also improve public transport.

The plans include charging rush-hour drivers for crossing an inner and outer ring in Manchester during week days.

The outer ring boundary would see drivers on the M60 motorway unaffected but those travelling from Hollinwood into Failsworth paying a charge.

The Rev David Joynes said: “If the congestion charge is to reduce congestion in Manchester, why should people in Oldham be penalised? Why should Hollinwood parents be charged to take their children to school?.”

One man said he believed the scheme would not break even until 2014. He said: “This equipment and shiny new buses will need replacing. There is not enough revenue to cover the cost of replacing it. The London congestion charge started at £5 and is now £8.”

Councillor Jean Stretton said plans to charge Oldham drivers the full fee only if they crossed both boundaries were never approved.

“It didn’t get passed at a council meeting because the current administration would not support it.”

But one resident said residents should think more positively.

He said: “If we don’t do something about it now, we will all have cars but we will be just sitting in them.”




Burglars targeted



A BURGLARY crackdown will begin in the next few weeks covering the Hollinwood and Failsworth areas.



Operation Queensland comes in the wake of an increase in burglaries over the last two months.

But other types of crime have decreased, including 46 fewer incidents of anti-social behaviour compared to the same period last year and criminal damage droppingd by 23 incidents.

Inspector Dave Stopford said the area’s two main offenders were currently in custody in prison with ASBOs waiting for them on their release.




NEW safer swings have replaced unsafe ones in a playground in Incline Road following residents concerns.n NEARLY £9,000 has been allocated for spending out of the Hollinwood Area Committee’s £15,000 budget, including £4,400 on 44 hanging baskets and £3,000 on festival lights.



Community groups can bid for a share of the remaining £6,100. Anyone wishing to apply for £250 or less can do so by completing an application form. Bids for over £250 to £500 will need an application form and presentation. Applications must be received by January 16 and presentations will begin February 2.